BREAKING: Quebec Announces Proposed Immigration Plans for 2026

In a move that signals a major shift in its immigration strategy, Quebec has unveiled a proposed multi-year immigration plan for 2026–2029. The draft plan, announced recently, outlines significant changes to how the province will manage both permanent and temporary immigration. Central to the proposal are stricter French language requirements, reduced immigration targets, and a greater emphasis on integrating newcomers into Quebec’s workforce and culture.

The plan comes amid growing concerns about housing shortages, public service capacity, and the preservation of the French language. It also reflects Quebec’s efforts to balance its economic needs with the challenges of managing a rapidly growing population of non-permanent residents.

### A New Approach to Immigration Targets
Quebec is considering three scenarios for annual permanent immigration targets: 25,000, 35,000, or 45,000 new residents. These numbers represent a notable decrease from previous years, driven in part by a 203% surge in non-permanent residents (NPRs) since 2019. The province now has 616,552 NPRs, many of whom are in major urban areas like Montreal and Laval.

The government has made it clear that it will not increase permanent residence targets unless Ottawa agrees to reduce temporary immigration under the International Mobility Program from 400,000 to 200,000. This stance underscores Quebec’s push to manage the influx of newcomers more effectively.

### Tightening Temporary Immigration Limits
For the first time, Quebec’s plan proposes concrete limits on temporary immigration. The goal is to halve the number of NPRs under federal programs, such as the International Mobility Program and asylum seekers, from 416,000 in 2024 to 200,000 by 2029. The reductions will primarily impact urban centers like Montreal and Laval, where housing and public services are under the most strain.

### French Language Requirements Take Center Stage
A key feature of the plan is the introduction of a minimum French language requirement for Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs), except those in agriculture. Starting in 2026, TFWs will need to meet this standard to renew their work permits after three years in Quebec. The policy aims to support the province’s goal of preserving the French language while facilitating better integration of immigrants into Quebec society.

### Prioritizing Local and Francophone Candidates
The new framework prioritizes candidates already living in Quebec, speaking French, and addressing critical labor shortages. Applicants with strong French proficiency and skills that align with the province’s economic needs will be given preference. This approach is designed to ensure that newcomers can contribute effectively to the local workforce and integrate seamlessly into Quebec’s cultural fabric.

### Suspension of Popular Immigration Programs
The Quebec government has temporarily suspended new applications under both streams of the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ)—for workers and Quebec graduates—until November 30, 2025. This move primarily affects international students and workers who previously relied on these fast-track routes to permanent residency. The suspension is intended to allow the province to better manage its intake and ensure that new immigrants meet updated language and labor requirements.

Meanwhile, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is set to reopen in July 2025. The program will prioritize temporary residents already living and working in Quebec, applicants with strong French skills, and individuals who fill critical labor shortages. Those who previously submitted applications under the now-closed Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) must update their Arrima profiles to be considered for the new PSTQ stream.

### Public Consultation Invites Feedback
Quebec is inviting the public to weigh in on the proposed immigration plan through consultations running until August 15, 2025. Stakeholder feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final decision on annual immigration targets and other key elements of the plan.

In summary, Quebec’s proposed 2026–2029 immigration plan outlines a vision for reduced permanent and temporary immigration, stricter French language requirements, and a strategic focus on local, francophone, and in-demand workers. The plan aims to strike a balance between addressing economic needs, ensuring successful integration, and preserving the French language and identity in the face of unprecedented immigration pressures.

Strategic Alignment with Economic and Cultural Objectives

Quebec’s proposed immigration plan for 2026–2029 reflects a strategic shift toward aligning immigration policies with the province’s economic and cultural priorities. By introducing stricter French language requirements and prioritizing candidates who are already integrated into Quebec society, the government aims to address labor shortages while preserving the province’s linguistic and cultural identity.

### Addressing Labor Shortages with Targeted Immigration
The plan places a strong emphasis on addressing Quebec’s critical labor needs. By prioritizing applicants with skills that align with the province’s economic demands, the government hopes to fill gaps in key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. This approach is designed to ensure that immigration serves as a tool for economic growth while minimizing competition for jobs among local workers.

### Preserving French Language and Culture
At the heart of the plan is the commitment to preserving Quebec’s French language and cultural heritage. The introduction of minimum French proficiency requirements for Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) is a significant step in this direction. By ensuring that newcomers can communicate effectively in French, the government aims to facilitate their integration into Quebec society and reduce the risk of linguistic and cultural fragmentation.

### Balancing Economic Needs with Integration Capacity
The plan acknowledges the delicate balance between meeting Quebec’s economic needs and managing the capacity of public services. The reduction in temporary immigration targets, particularly in urban areas like Montreal and Laval, is intended to alleviate pressure on housing, healthcare, and education systems. By focusing on quality over quantity, the government hopes to create a more sustainable model for immigration.

### A Focus on Long-Term Integration
Quebec’s approach to immigration is increasingly centered on long-term integration rather than short-term fixes. By prioritizing candidates who are already living and working in the province, the government aims to reduce the challenges associated with integrating newcomers. This strategy also encourages temporary residents to develop deeper roots in Quebec, increasing the likelihood that they will remain in the province as permanent residents.

### Public Engagement and Transparency
The government’s decision to invite public feedback on the proposed plan demonstrates a commitment to transparency and inclusivity. By engaging stakeholders, including employers, community organizations, and immigrants themselves, Quebec hopes to create a more equitable and effective immigration system. The consultations, which run until August 15, 2025, provide an opportunity for the public to shape the final outcome of the plan.

In conclusion, Quebec’s proposed immigration plan for 2026–2029 represents a thoughtful and multifaceted approach to managing immigration. By focusing on French language proficiency, economic alignment, and sustainable integration, the government aims to create a system that benefits both newcomers and the province as a whole.