Quebec has recently released its Immigration plan for 2025, the good news is that it is maintaining similar targets to 2024 while introducing significant changes. This plan balances immigration growth with the province’s ability to integrate newcomers effectively. Quebec plans to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 immigrants in 2025.
Quebec immigration targets 2025
| Category | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants (including skilled workers) | 31,000 | 32,900 |
| Business immigrants | 400 | 500 |
| Family reunification | 10,200 | 10,600 |
| Refugees | 6,600 | 7,200 |
The economic category, which includes skilled workers and business immigrants, makes up about 72% of the total planned admissions. This shows Quebec’s focus on attracting workers who can contribute to the economy.
1. Major Program Suspensions
Quebec has temporarily suspended two important immigration pathways:
- The “Quebec graduate” stream of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
- Invitations for the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) and its replacement, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)
These suspensions started on October 31, 2024, and will last until June 30, 2025, at the latest. During this time, the government plans to clear application backlogs and review its immigration policies. It’s important to note that:
- The temporary foreign worker stream of the PEQ is still open
- Applications submitted or invited before the suspension will continue to be processed
- You can still apply to add family members to “Quebec graduate” stream applications
2. Focus on French Language Skills
Quebec is emphasizing the importance of French language skills for immigrants. The plan sets these targets:
- 79-80% of all immigrants should know French when they arrive
- 95% of main applicants in economic immigration should be good at French
This focus is part of Quebec’s efforts to protect and promote the French language in the province.Impact on Temporary Workers and Job OffersWhile the plan doesn’t set limits on temporary residents, it does affect some aspects of work-related immigration:
- Validated job offers will still last for 18 months
- The government will keep processing job offer validations from employers
- When invitations start again after June 30, 2025, people with validated job offers can still use them
3. Future Planning
Quebec will conduct a new multi-year immigration planning exercise in spring 2025. This will look at both temporary and permanent immigration and help set guidelines for 2026 and beyond.
What This Means for Immigrants
If you’re thinking about immigrating to Quebec or are already in the process:
- If you’ve been selected under the suspended programs, you can continue your process to become a permanent resident
- The “Temporary foreign worker” stream of the PEQ is still open for applications
- If you were invited to apply for permanent selection under the RSWP before October 31, 2024, you can still do so within 60 days
Why These Changes?
Quebec is making these changes because:
- There has been a big increase in non-permanent residents
- The province wants to control the growth of permanent immigration
- It aligns with the federal government’s decision to reduce immigration targets
Conclusion
Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Plan shows a careful approach to managing immigration. The province is keeping its overall targets steady while pausing some programs to reassess and improve its system. The focus on French language skills and economic immigration remains strong.
The temporary suspensions give the province time to clear backlogs and rethink its policies. The upcoming planning exercise in 2025 will be important in shaping Quebec’s future immigration approach. Anyone interested in moving to Quebec should stay informed about these changes and any new announcements.
