Quebec halts two key programs for permanent residency

Quebec has officially paused two significant pathways to permanent residency in Canada. As of now, the Quebec government will no longer accept applications for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) – specifically the Quebec Graduates stream – and has also halted issuing invitations for the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ). Both programs serve as key channels for immigrants seeking permanent residency in the province.

This suspension will remain in effect until June 30, 2025. During this period, no new applications will be processed, and individuals seeking permanent residency through these avenues will have to wait or explore alternative options.

The pause comes alongside Quebec's updated Immigration Levels Plan, which was released today. The government plans to significantly reduce the number of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) issued under the PEQ Graduates stream. The goal for 2025 is to issue between 4,500 and 5,700 CSQs, a sharp decline from the earlier projection of 14,500 for 2024. This decision will also lead to a decrease in the number of permanent residents admitted through this pathway, with the target for 2025 being set at 13,500 to 15,000. Without this suspension, estimates suggest the number of admissions could have ranged between 15,000 and 19,000 in 2025.

Quebec aims to maintain its overall target of admitting 50,000 permanent residents in 2025, but the inclusion of those selected under the PEQ graduate stream will now be factored into this total. In the past, the PEQ Graduates category was treated separately in Quebec’s Immigration Levels Plan. Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francization, and Integration, noted that these measures are intended to manage the influx of immigrants into the province in the coming years. He emphasized that only the graduate stream of the PEQ has been paused; the worker stream remains active.

In addition to suspending the PEQ Graduates stream, Quebec has also announced that it will stop issuing invitations to apply under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP). The SWSP is set to replace the PRTQ on November 29, 2024, as part of the province's efforts to overhaul its immigration system. The PRTQ has historically been responsible for a significant portion of Quebec’s immigration intake, and this pause will allow the province time to restructure the program.

Under Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, the province expects to admit up to 32,900 economic immigrants. These changes reflect the government’s intent to manage the flow of immigrants better while revamping its existing programs.

While the PEQ Graduates stream has been paused, the PEQ worker stream is still open for applicants who meet specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a clear intention to settle in Quebec for employment and have held full-time work experience in Quebec for at least 24 months within the last three years. Additionally, they must hold legal status as a temporary worker or be part of an international youth exchange program such as International Experience Canada (IEC).

In recent months, Quebec has made several other adjustments to its immigration policies. Earlier this month, the province capped the number of foreign nationals invited under the Regular Skilled Worker Program from any one country, limiting the share to 25% of total admissions. Quebec also announced that it would no longer accept applications from employers in Montreal looking to hire temporary foreign workers for positions offering wages below the provincial median.