Quebec Unveils Big Immigration Changes For 2026–2029

Quebec’s Immigration Minister, Jean-François Roberge, revealed big changes to immigration rules for the next four years. He spoke during a press conference on June 5, 2025, laying out actions that will affect both current and future immigrants in the province.

Programs on Pause Until Late 2025

Quebec has now paused the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for both workers and students. These two programs were popular for fast-track permanent residence. The suspension will last until November 30, 2025.

Also, the government stopped accepting applications for the Program for Refugees Abroad (Collective Sponsorship). This pause will remain until the end of 2027.

Quebec will reopen the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) in July 2025. It will replace the earlier version, known as PRTQ.

New Rules Proposed for Future Immigration

The government has suggested the following new steps:

• Set limits on temporary resident numbers and reduce them gradually.
  
• Give priority to those already living in Quebec with work or study permits.
  
• Make French language skills a must for temporary workers to renew work permits.
  
• Launch a new immigration selection program in fall 2025.
  

Roberge said Quebec wants more control over who stays long-term. He also showed charts blaming Ottawa for the sharp rise in temporary residents.

Calls to Federal Government

Roberge urged the federal government to cut the number of temporary foreign workers from 400,000 to 200,000. He said Quebec won’t raise its permanent residency targets unless Ottawa acts on this request.

He made it clear that Quebec wants people who are already part of society. This includes temporary residents who speak French, are working, and understand Quebec culture. Those who studied in Quebec or have jobs in fields facing shortages will also be prioritized.

“Becoming a Quebecer is a privilege, not a right,” said Roberge in French, stressing the importance of French and Quebec values.

Outside Montreal and Laval to Get More Focus

The government wants to invite more people to settle outside the busy regions of Montreal and Laval. This will help balance growth across Quebec.

Roberge shared three possible numbers for yearly permanent residence targets: 25,000, 35,000, and 45,000.

He said no final decision had been made. The government is now asking the public for their views until August 15, 2025. The final immigration plan will come out in October 2025.

Ongoing Applications Still Safe

People who applied under the PEQ or the old Skilled Worker Program before the suspensions will still have their applications processed. Applicants can also add family members like spouses and children to their files.

Candidates who made profiles in the Arrima system before November 29, 2024, must update them to stay in the running for the new PSTQ program.

Immigration System Sees Big Changes

Quebec plans to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 newcomers this year. But the way people arrive will look very different.

The PEQ Diplomés stream is now paused. This program was once a top choice for international students. Its removal from the plan has led to fewer immigrants entering through it.

Quebec also made changes to who can get in:

• No more than 25% of new skilled workers can come from the same country.
  
• 79–80% of new immigrants must speak French when they arrive.
  

Temporary Resident Rules Tighten

Before this, Quebec had not set a limit on temporary residents. But that changed last year. In August 2024, Quebec paused Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). That freeze is now extended.

Meanwhile, the federal government capped temporary resident levels for the first time in October 2024. This move came due to concerns over housing and affordability.