Maple News reports that a comprehensive series of immigration reforms have officially taken effect in Quebec, signaling major changes for foreign workers and newcomers aiming to settle in the province. These amendments, which became active on November 23, 2023, include the relaunch of three key pilot programs and heightened language requirements for economic immigration pathways.
As part of Quebec’s ongoing efforts to tackle critical labor shortages, the province has reopened the following economic immigration pilot programs:
– The Food Processing Pilot Program (600 application cap)
– The Orderlies Pilot Program (600 application cap)
– The Artificial Intelligence, IT, and Visual Effects Pilot Program (700 application cap)
These programs are currently accepting applications and will remain open until December 31, 2024. However, all three pilots are scheduled to be permanently discontinued as of January 1, 2026, unless otherwise renewed or modified.
In a significant policy shift, Quebec has made French language proficiency a compulsory requirement across all economic immigration programs. Applicants to programs such as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) and the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) must now demonstrate a minimum of level 7 proficiency in spoken French, as per the Quebec Scale of French Language Proficiency. Additionally, those applying under the PEQ must also meet a level 5 standard in written French.
Starting November 23, 2024, the PEQ’s graduate stream will require applicants to have either completed a study program in French or have a minimum of three years of secondary or post-secondary education in French. This condition aims to ensure better integration into the predominantly French-speaking society of Quebec.
Spouses included in economic immigration applications must also meet language conditions, requiring a minimum level 4 in spoken French. This new requirement reflects the province’s broader strategy to promote French language use among all newcomers.
Another structural change is scheduled for November 29, 2024, when the current Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) will be discontinued and replaced by the new Qualified Skilled Worker Selection Program (QWSP). This transition is expected to streamline the selection process and better align with Quebec’s labor market and linguistic needs.
These new measures reinforce the provincial government’s commitment to maintaining Quebec’s unique linguistic and cultural identity, while modernizing its immigration system to better address economic demands.