2025 Quebec Immigration: New Policies, PEQ Changes, and More !
Explore the major changes shaping Quebec immigration in 2025, including PEQ updates, Skilled Worker caps, French language rules, LMIAs, and family sponsorship limits.
Quebec's immigration policies are undergoing significant changes that will shape the province’s immigration landscape in 2025. These updates impact various programs, including the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), family sponsorships, and Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). Below, we outline the major changes and their implications for prospective immigrants and those navigating Quebec’s pathways.
Overview of Changes
Key updates to Quebec’s immigration system include:
- Adjustments to immigration levels for 2025.
- Suspension of the PEQ Graduate Stream.
- Increased French language requirements for the PEQ Graduate Stream.
- Pause on invitations under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (now PSTQ).
- Introduction of country-specific caps on PSTQ invitations.
- Suspension of low-wage LMIAs in the Montreal region.
- Implementation of a cap on family sponsorship applications.
Immigration Levels for 2025
- Target Admissions: Quebec plans to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 immigrants in 2025.
- Focus on Economic Immigration: Approximately 72% of admissions will be for economic categories, including skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
- Francophone Focus: The province aims for 95% francophone immigration in economic pathways and 79-80% overall.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
Suspension of PEQ Graduate Stream
- Applications for the PEQ Graduate Stream are paused until June 30, 2025.
- The target for Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) through this stream has been reduced to 4,500–5,700 for 2025, compared to 14,500 in 2024.
- Foreign graduates are encouraged to explore federal or other provincial pathways.
Stricter French Language Requirements
Effective November 23, 2024, graduates must complete at least 75% of their program’s coursework in French to qualify for the PEQ.
| Study Level | New French Language Requirement |
|---|---|
| Vocational and college programs | 75% of courses in French |
| Undergraduate programs | 75% of credits in French |
| Master's or PhD programs | 75% of credits in French (excludes theses and internships) |
Graduates meeting alternative criteria, such as three years of prior studies in French, may still qualify.
Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
Program Transition and Pause
- The Regular Skilled Worker Program has been replaced by PSTQ as of November 29, 2024.
- Invitations under PSTQ are paused until June 30, 2025, impacting many foreign skilled workers.
Country-Specific Caps
A limit of 25% per country per draw has been introduced for PSTQ invitations, promoting diversity among applicants.
Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)
Suspension of Low-Wage LMIA Applications
- Quebec has suspended LMIAs for positions with wages below $27.47/hour in the Montreal region for six months (effective September 3, 2024).
- Certain sectors, such as agriculture and health, are exempt.
- This change aims to regulate the number of temporary foreign workers in the region.
Family Sponsorship Cap
- A cap of 13,000 applications applies from June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026.
- Of these, 10,400 are allocated to spouses, common-law partners, and children, while 2,600 are reserved for other eligible relatives.
- Applications exceeding the cap will be returned unprocessed.
Understanding Quebec Immigration
Quebec’s immigration system operates independently from Canada’s federal programs, requiring applicants to first obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) from the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI). Programs such as PEQ and PSTQ are tailored to Quebec’s unique needs, emphasizing French proficiency and integration into the province’s culture.
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