Quebec Announces New Immigration Cap for 2024-2025

Quebec has introduced a new immigration cap for the 2024-2025 period as part of its effort to manage foreign nationals seeking to settle in the province. Published in the October 9, 2024 edition of the Gazette Officielle du Québec, this new ministerial order sets the maximum number of foreign nationals the province's Minister of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration will invite to apply for permanent selection.

The primary goal of this cap is to create a balanced immigration system that supports Quebec's economic growth and social priorities while fostering diversity. This decision reflects Quebec's intention to attract skilled individuals from around the world while meeting the needs of its labour market, particularly in sectors experiencing shortages like healthcare, IT, and manufacturing.

Implemented under Article 45 of the Québec Immigration Act, this policy gives the province's immigration minister the authority to regulate the number of invitations issued to foreign nationals. A key provision is that no more than 25% of the total invitations for permanent selection can go to candidates from any single country in a given period. This ensures a diverse pool of applicants, making the system more inclusive and representative of global talent.

This policy comes into effect on October 9, 2024, and will last until October 9, 2025. At that point, it could be reviewed or updated depending on the province’s needs and the evolving immigration landscape.

For those looking to immigrate to Quebec, this policy introduces a more competitive process, especially for candidates from countries that traditionally send a high number of immigrants. Applicants must now be more strategic, ensuring their profiles align with Quebec’s labour market demands and demonstrating proficiency in French, which remains a key factor in the selection process.

This policy promotes greater geographical diversity, making it crucial for prospective immigrants to highlight their skills, education, and experience in fields that are in high demand in Quebec. Additionally, the province's emphasis on attracting Francophone immigrants aligns with its broader goal of maintaining its French-language culture and integrating new residents into its society more effectively.

Immigrants interested in moving to Quebec will need to closely follow updates on invitation rounds and ensure that their applications are strong. This includes showcasing their ability to contribute to the province’s economy and highlighting their French-language skills. Prospective applicants are encouraged to keep a close eye on the upcoming draw schedules, which will outline the number of invitations to be issued during this period.

Quebec's decision to limit immigration invitations could potentially influence other provinces to adopt similar measures. While no official confirmation has been made, provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, which attract a large number of immigrants, may consider introducing their own caps to promote diversity and ensure their labour market needs are met.

Provinces like Alberta and Manitoba, which also rely heavily on immigration to address workforce shortages, might implement similar policies, especially in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. However, some provinces may opt to maintain higher immigration intake numbers to meet urgent labour needs without imposing strict caps on country-specific invitations.

In 2022, a senior vice president from RBC proposed a similar idea, suggesting Canada could benefit from reducing its reliance on students from countries like China and India and instead focus on attracting talent from a broader range of countries, including South America and Francophone nations. This recommendation points to a growing awareness of the need for more diverse immigration policies across Canada.