Quebec has unveiled a new immigration plan for 2026–2029, reducing both permanent and temporary admission targets to ease pressure on public services and public infrastructure.
Major Reductions in Immigration Levels
Under the new plan announced by Immigration Minister Jean‑François Roberge, Québec will admit about 45,000 permanent residents per year from 2026 through 2029.
Temporary immigration targets were likewise capped: by 2029, the province plans for up to 65,000 foreign workers and 110,000 international students within the programs it controls.
Key Program Overhauls
As of November 19, 2025, Québec will end its Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), making way for a single Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).
Additionally, the province will terminate permanent immigration pilot programs — such as those for food‑processing workers and AI professionals — starting January 1, 2026.
Quebec is also imposing a French-language requirement: from December 17, 2025, temporary workers with three years of work must demonstrate Level 4 French proficiency.
Why Québec Is Shifting Strategy
Roberge and his government say the cuts reflect real concern for integration capacity. They argue lower immigration and stricter language requirements will reduce strain on housing, healthcare, and education systems.
He also emphasized the need to protect Quebec’s cultural identity by prioritizing French‑speaking newcomers and encouraging settlement in regional areas.
Quebec Pushes Ottawa for Change
Quebec is calling on the federal government to reduce the number of non‑permanent residents in the province.
Specifically, the province asks Ottawa to limit asylum seekers and to better redistribute newcomers across Canada, focusing fewer of them in already overburdened regions.
