Quebec Slashes Immigration Programs Further in New 2026 Levels Plan

Quebec plans to welcome 45,000 new permanent residents in 2026, a drop from the previous year’s numbers. The new immigration levels plan, presented on November 6, outlines a range between 43,000 and 47,000 new arrivals. This means both the lower and upper limits have fallen compared to 2025, when the range was 48,500 to 51,500.

Economic immigration will continue to form the largest share of newcomers. About 64% of all permanent residents will come through this category.

More focus on temporary residents

For the first time, Quebec’s plan includes goals for temporary residents. In 2026, the province expects to admit up to 124,200 temporary foreign workers and international students, including those extending their permits.

Of the 45,000 new permanent residents, more than half (54%) will already be living in Quebec as temporary residents. The province will welcome:

• 27,500 to 30,100 under economic immigration,
  
• 9,600 to 10,400 through family reunification,
  
• 5,500 to 6,000 as refugees or people in similar situations, and
  
• 400 to 500 under other categories.
  

Quebec also aims for about 76% of new permanent residents to have strong French language skills.

Breakdown of temporary admissions

Quebec will continue to rely on temporary workers and students to support its labour market and education sector. In 2026, the province expects:

• 40,400 to 55,700 temporary foreign workers,
  
• 44,500 to 68,500 international students.
  

Among the foreign workers, 48% will work in agriculture, while 52% will fill non-farming roles.

To manage these arrivals, Quebec will issue thousands of Quebec Acceptance Certificates (CAQs)—official documents needed to study or work in the province. The province expects to issue between 43,400 and 63,700 CAQs for workers and 87,300 to 114,100 for students.

By 2029, Quebec plans to reduce its temporary population to about 65,000 workers and 110,000 students, roughly 13% lower than 2024 levels.

New measures and restrictions

The government announced several changes to tighten immigration rules. It will extend the suspension of some Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in Montreal and Laval until December 31, 2026.

Starting December 17, 2025, applicants for a CAQ under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program must meet a spoken French level of NCLC 4. Current foreign workers will get a three-year grace period to reach that level. Agricultural workers remain exempt.

Quebec also extended the suspension of its Refugee Collective Sponsorship Program until December 31, 2029. Applications already submitted will still be processed if they meet all requirements.

In addition, the Skilled Worker Selection Program will become the only permanent pathway for skilled workers. The Quebec Experience Program streams for graduates and foreign workers will close on November 19, 2025. The province will also end its three permanent pilot programs on January 1, 2026.

Quebec’s separate immigration system

Quebec controls its own immigration system under the Canada–Quebec Accord of 1991, which gives it more authority than any other province. The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) manages programs, sets targets, and designs policies to support the French language and meet the province’s needs.

Anyone wishing to settle in Quebec must first obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) from MIFI before applying for permanent residence through the federal government.