It has become known how many new permanent residents of Canada will be able to obtain this status in the province of Quebec in 2025. On 31 October 2024, Jean-François Roberge, Minister of Immigration of Quebec, announced the Immigration Plan for the province for the next year. The province of Quebec does not have a provincial nomineeprogram, but is known for its special system for the integration of newcomers.
Approximately 50,000 people will be able to become new permanent residents in the province in 2025. In contrast to the rest of Canada, Quebec is not expected to see a decline in immigration, and the previously planned figures are expected to be maintained. Most of the new permanent residents will obtain their status on the basis of employment (through economic programs). This category will account for a total of 32,000 places, or 72% of the total number of new PR receivers in Canada. The Government of Quebec has allocated 10,000 places for family immigration, and about 7,000 for various refugee programs.
Additionally, it was announced that the province will temporarily suspend the submission of applications for two immigration programs until 30 June 2025. The first program is the Regular Skilled Worker Program, which will be replaced by the Skilled Worker Selection Program starting 29 November 2024. The second program is a stream for students of the Quebec Experience Program. Students who studied in the province could work after receiving their diploma and then apply for permanent residency in Canada through this immigration pathway. Given that the federal Government of Canada has significantly reduced the level of foreign students coming to the country, the Quebec authorities decided to follow the same way.
Earlier in October, new immigration rules were introduced for the Regular Skilled Worker Program. It is envisaged that from 9 October 2024, the number of citizens from one country applying under this program cannot exceed 25% of the total number of applications.
In Quebec, the Immigration Levels Plan is announced annually after public hearings and discussions. At the Canada-wide level, limits were introduced on temporary residents (both workers and students). In this part of the country, however, there is no such restriction for the next year, but such innovations may be discussed as early as 2026.
Quebec is known for its immigration program, which emphasizes separation from federal Canadian rules. In this province, local authorities determine the number of immigrants on their own. In contrast, the Government in Ottawa determines the targets for attracting new permanent residents for other Canadian provinces.
The emphasis on French language skills for living in Quebec permanently is another characteristic feature of this province. And this trend has been growing annually in recent years. In 2025, about 80% of the total number of new immigrants will have to demonstrate a sufficient level of French. In contrast, among applicants for permanent resident status based on employment, this figure is set at 95% in 2025 in Quebec.
Obtaining PR Canada in Quebec in 2025 will be characterized by several important features. The most essential is that the main direction of immigration will continue to be the attraction of French-speaking workers through economic programs. Meanwhile, some of the most popular pathways will remain on hold until the middle of the year, while the Quebec government develops new approaches to more efficiently processing of applications. Despite the decline in the number of potential immigrants to Canada in the coming years, the province of Quebec continues to defend its autonomy in the issue of granting permanent resident status.
