Maple News reports that Quebec has officially released its updated immigration framework for 2024 and 2025, with a strong emphasis on increasing economic immigrants, enhancing French language proficiency, and attracting younger newcomers to address the province’s demographic and labor challenges.
Premier François Legault, alongside Christine Fréchette, Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, and Jean-François Roberge, Minister of the French Language, emphasized the importance of preserving Quebec’s linguistic identity while supporting economic vitality. A key component of the plan is the expansion of Francisation Québec, a provincial initiative aimed at ensuring French knowledge among immigrants.
Under the revised plan, Quebec will admit approximately 60,000 immigrants annually, including up to 12,000 additional admissions than initially targeted. Of these, about 50,000 will arrive through regular immigration streams, such as skilled workers, family reunification, and refugee resettlement. An additional estimated 6,500 will come from French-language post-secondary programs, while some 6,000 will arrive through business immigration pathways, including investor, entrepreneur, and self-employment categories.
The economic immigration category remains the cornerstone of Quebec’s admissions strategy, maintaining 31,950 admissions in both 2024 and 2025. Within this category, skilled workers will represent the vast majority, with targets rising modestly from 30,650 to 31,500 between 2024 and 2025. Business immigration will also see growth — from 1,250 admissions in 2024 to 1,450 in 2025.
Family-class immigration levels will remain steady at 10,400 newcomers annually. The government seeks to ensure a balanced approach, sustaining social cohesion while promoting economic contribution.
In a significant policy update, Quebec will now require a minimum oral proficiency in French (level 4 or higher) for participants in its economic immigration programs, particularly those entering through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This reflects the province’s effort to ensure long-term integration and labor market success.
This updated immigration plan underscores Quebec’s commitment to both maintaining its distinct cultural identity and addressing pressing economic and demographic needs. By prioritizing French language acquisition and regional integration, the province aims to build a skilled and linguistically aligned future workforce.
Maple News will continue to monitor how these strategic shifts impact immigration trends and economic performance across Quebec’s diverse regions.