Maple News reports that Quebec is entering 2025 with sweeping updates to its immigration policies, introducing measures that will significantly shape how newcomers settle in the province. These reform efforts touch nearly every facet of Quebec’s immigration system—from selection programs and language requirements to family sponsorship caps and labor market permits.
According to Quebec’s 2025 immigration levels plan, the province aims to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 new immigrants. This range closely mirrors its 2024 target and underscores Quebec’s ongoing commitment to steady immigration growth. Notably, economic immigrants are expected to comprise approximately 72% of all newcomers, while the rest will arrive under family reunification and refugee streams. Equally important, Quebec maintains an ambitious goal of ensuring that nearly 95% of economic immigrants speak French, affirming its emphasis on preserving the province’s linguistic identity.
One of the most notable policy shifts is the temporary suspension of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) Graduate stream, which will not accept new applications until at least June 30, 2025. The PEQ has historically been a vital option for foreign graduates seeking permanent residency. During this suspension, applicants cannot file for a Certificate of Selection (CSQ) under this stream, although they can still do so under other eligible categories.
Coupled with the suspension is a rise in French-language requirements for PEQ Graduate stream applicants. This change signals the province’s drive to deepen the integration of newcomers into its French-speaking society, particularly in the workforce.
In parallel, the recently revamped Regular Skilled Worker Program—now called the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)—has halted new invitation rounds. Furthermore, Quebec will implement new country-specific quotas for this program, a move aimed at managing intake diversity but which could add another layer of complexity for applicants.
Employers and work visa holders in Montreal are also affected, as Quebec has suspended low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for this region. This step may limit opportunities for lower-skilled foreign workers in Quebec’s primary urban center, pending any further policy updates from the province.
Family reunification has also been impacted by the introduction of a cap on family sponsorship applications. While details regarding quota limits are still to be fully disclosed, the policy reflects the province’s reorientation toward skill-based immigration and larger integration goals.
Overall, Quebec’s 2025 immigration reforms are a mix of targeted restrictions and competency-driven pathways centered around language proficiency and economic contribution. With higher French requirements, stricter program eligibility, and new intake limits, the landscape for immigration in Quebec is evolving—not just in quantity, but in quality and cultural alignment.
Prospective immigrants are advised to carefully review eligibility criteria and stay informed as Quebec fine-tunes its program timelines and thresholds in the coming months.