Maple News reports that Quebec’s Immigration Minister, Jean-François Roberge, has announced the province’s proposed immigration framework for the 2026–2029 period, signaling a tighter and more selective approach to immigration. The proposed plan outlines revised pathways and stricter criteria aimed at protecting Quebec’s French-speaking character and ensuring better integration outcomes.
Effective immediately, the province has suspended application intake under both streams of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ – Workers and PEQ – Graduates) until November 30, 2025. Additionally, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is set to reopen in July 2025. The intake suspension for the Program for Refugees Abroad (Collective Sponsorship) has also been extended until December 31, 2027.
Looking ahead, Quebec plans to establish formal targets for temporary resident numbers — a first for the province. Under the proposal, Quebec will reduce the number of temporary foreign workers under its jurisdiction from 72,000 to 65,000 over four years. Notably, Montreal is expected to see a 50% cut in temporary foreign workers.
The government intends to prioritize individuals already living in Quebec as temporary residents for permanent residency, specifically those with French-language skills, local work experience, and a demonstrated connection to Quebec society. Those who have studied in Quebec or work in sectors facing labour shortages will also be favoured.
Roberge emphasized the need for temporary foreign workers to meet a minimum level of French proficiency as a condition for renewing work permits. This move underscores the province’s broader goal to reinforce French as the primary language and preserve Quebec’s unique cultural identity.
At a June 5 press conference, Roberge criticized the federal government’s handling of the International Mobility Program (IMP), pointing to the sharp rise in temporary residents. He called on Ottawa to halve the national volume of temporary foreign workers under the IMP from 400,000 to 200,000. Quebec, he stated, would not raise its permanent residence quotas until this federal reduction is met.
“Becoming a Quebecer is a privilege, not a right,” Roberge said, emphasizing that immigration policy must align with the province’s demographic, economic, and linguistic realities. He added that immigration selection efforts will increasingly focus on applicants willing to settle in regions outside Montreal and Laval.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on Quebec’s evolving immigration policies and how they shape the province’s long-term socio-economic direction.