World Immigration News

Quebec Unveils Immigration Plan and Pluriannual Orientations for 2026-2029

Release Date: 2025-11-18
Media: Newland Chase
Summary: Québec has released its immigration orientations for 2026–2029 along with its detailed 2026 Immigration Plan, setting the direction for both permanent and temporary admissions in the coming years. For 2026, the province plans to admit 45,000 permanent immigrants under its own selection authority and expects between 84,900 and 124,200 temporary entries through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Student Program.

The government will reorganize its skilled-worker pathways by making the PSTQ the sole route for permanent economic immigration. The long-standing PEQ program will end in November 2025, and three pilot programs covering food processing workers, orderlies, and AI/IT/VFX professionals will conclude in January 2026. Existing applications under these programs will continue to be processed, while new applicants are directed to declare their interest via the Arrima system. Selection under the PSTQ now prioritizes individuals already settled in Québec, holders of Québec diplomas, regional workers, occupations in high demand, and those with strong French skills.

For temporary foreign workers, Québec has extended the suspension of certain LMIA applications in Montréal and Laval until the end of 2026 to reduce the number of non-permanent residents during an economic slowdown and to encourage hiring within Québec. In addition, starting in December 2025, temporary foreign workers who have worked in Québec for three years will need to demonstrate spoken French proficiency at level 4 when applying for a CAQ, with the actual verification beginning in December 2028 due to a transitional period. Exemptions will apply to agricultural workers, foreign government staff, and personnel of certain international organizations.

Together, these measures reflect Québec’s effort to balance labor-market needs, protect the French language as a core cultural value, and simplify its immigration programs while managing the scale and integration of newcomers over the next several years.
Tags: Canada

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