Maple News reports that Quebec has introduced a new country-specific cap for its Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ), limiting the number of invitations issued to applicants from any single country to no more than 25% per selection round.
The policy, announced by Quebec’s Immigration Minister Jean François Roberge on October 9, 2024, is effective immediately and will remain in place until October 9, 2025. It’s designed to promote greater geographic diversity in the province’s economic immigration intake.
According to Minister Roberge, the move comes in response to a noticeable lack of diversity among applications received this year for the skilled worker program. By implementing this measure, Quebec seeks to ensure a more balanced representation of national origins among future immigrants.
The cap will apply to every invitation round under the Regular Skilled Worker Program. This means that no more than a quarter of the total invitations in any given draw can be extended to applicants from the same country, regardless of their language proficiency or professional background.
Officials have clarified that the 25% country cap will not impact the proportion of French-speaking applicants selected through the program. Promoting the French language remains a core priority for Quebec’s immigration strategy.
The government further noted that while the new policy is currently limited to the PRTQ, it may be extended to the future Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which is expected to succeed the Regular Skilled Worker Program.
Quebec operates its own immigration system distinct from the federal Canadian immigration framework. Candidates interested in migrating to Quebec through the Regular Skilled Worker Program must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the province’s online platform, Arrima. Eligible applicants are then invited to apply based on Quebec’s specific labor market needs and immigration goals.
This development marks a notable shift in Quebec’s immigration policy framework and signals the province’s ongoing efforts to shape its skilled immigration intake in ways that align with demographic diversity and regional integration objectives.