Quebec’s new pathways and immigration policies for 2024 - 2025
Quebec recently announced the reopening of three long-term economic immigration pilot programs aimed at addressing significant labor shortages in the province.
Commencing from November 23rd, 2023, to December 31st, 2024, the following immigration streams are currently available and are actively receiving applications:
- Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in food processing (with a cap of 600 applications).
- Permanent immigration pilot program for orderlies (with a cap of 600 applications).
- Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies, and visual effects sectors (with a cap of 700 applications).
While these programs undergo periodic cycles of opening and closing application submissions, it is anticipated that all three will ultimately conclude indefinitely on January 1st, 2026.
Quebec has introduced mandatory French language proficiency requirements for its economic immigration programs.
Applicants in the Quebec Experience Programme (PEQ) and the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Programme (QSWP) now need a minimum spoken French proficiency level of 7.
PEQ applicants also require a written French proficiency level of 5 or higher, and those in the PEQ's graduate component must have completed a French program or studied the language for at least three years in secondary or post-secondary education.
Spouses sponsored under these programs must have oral French proficiency at level 4.
Starting January 1st, 2024, knowledge of French becomes a prerequisite for all business programs, including Entrepreneur, Self-Employed, and Investor streams.
Additionally, the Qualified Skilled Worker Selection Programme (QWSP) will replace the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Programme (QSWP) from November 29th.
As of November 23rd, individuals sponsoring family members for immigration to Quebec must adhere to new requirements.
Sponsors, if the sponsored individual is aged between 18 and 55, are required to complete and sign a welcome and integration plan.
Quebec has unveiled its immigration targets for the years 2024-25, aligning with national goals set by Canada.
The province anticipates a minimum of 49,500 immigrants this year and aims for an annual intake of 50,000 in 2024 and 2025.
Notably, Quebec foresees the arrival of 32,000 foreign skilled workers annually from 2023 to 2025.
The province continues to play a significant role in Canadian immigration, emphasizing the importance of Francophone immigration for fostering a vibrant and diverse national landscape.