Quebec Immigration 2026–2029: Key Changes & French Focus

Quebec Unveils New Immigration Plan for 2026–2029: What You Need to Know

Quebec’s immigration landscape is heading for a major shift. On the heels of national conversations about temporary residents and housing affordability, the province has released its proposed immigration guidelines for 2026 to 2029. These changes reflect a stronger emphasis on French language integration, reduced temporary resident numbers, and a new approach to selecting future permanent residents.

If you’re considering immigrating to Quebec—or are already living there as a temporary resident—these updates could directly impact your path to permanent residency. Let’s break it all down.

Key Highlights

• Quebec plans to reduce the number of temporary residents in the province.
• The Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) will reopen in July 2025.
• The Quebec Experience Program for graduates (PEQ – Diplômés) remains suspended until November 30, 2025.
• Priority for permanent residency will be given to current temporary residents.
• French language skills will be required to renew work permits.
• A brand new permanent residence selection program is set to launch in Fall 2025.

Why This Matters for Future Quebec Immigrants

Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge has made it clear: Quebec’s immigration system will be more selective, with a sharper focus on integration, especially through the French language. The proposed measures are open for public consultation until August 15, 2025, giving Quebecers a chance to weigh in before they take effect.

At the heart of these proposals is a desire to ensure that newcomers can fully participate in Quebec society—and that includes speaking French. Roberge emphasized, “Becoming a Quebecer is a privilege, not a right,” framing the changes as part of a broader cultural preservation effort.

Quebec’s Immigration Targets: Staying the Course, But With New Rules

Despite these significant shifts, Quebec is sticking closely to its previous immigration number targets. For 2025, the province plans to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 new permanent residents. However, how those spots are filled is changing.

Two of the most popular immigration pathways for international students and skilled workers—the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ – Diplômés) and the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)—have seen pauses in application intake and invitations. These programs will resume, but not before mid to late 2025.

In addition, a new cap has been introduced for the SWSP: no more than 25% of selected candidates can come from the same country. The goal? To diversify the pool of immigrants and avoid overrepresentation from any single country.

On top of that, the province wants 79–80% of admitted immigrants to speak French upon arrival. This is a significant increase in language requirements compared to previous years and signals how seriously Quebec is taking linguistic integration moving forward.

Focus on Temporary Residents in Quebec

One of the biggest concerns for the provincial government is the growing number of temporary residents—especially international students and temporary foreign workers. Quebec has seen a surge in these populations in recent years, driven in part by federal programs like the International Mobility Program.

Minister Roberge criticized Ottawa for allowing temporary resident levels to balloon, calling for federal limits to be halved—from 400,000 to 200,000. In response, Quebec is taking its own steps to rein in temporary residency numbers, including setting its own provincial targets and extending the freeze on Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for certain low-wage positions.

Temporary residents already in Quebec will be given greater priority for permanent residency pathways. However, they’ll also face new requirements—particularly when it comes to renewing work permits. From now on, demonstrating a minimum level of French proficiency will be mandatory to continue working in Quebec.

What’s Coming in 2025

If you’re currently living in Quebec on a temporary basis or planning to apply soon, here’s what’s ahead:

• July 2025: The Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) reopens for new applications.
• Fall 2025: A brand-new permanent residency selection program will be unveiled—details to come.
• November 30, 2025: The suspension of the PEQ – Diplômés stream is expected to end.

These timelines are important to keep in mind for anyone trying to plan their immigration journey through Quebec. If you don’t yet meet the French language requirements, now is a great time to start working toward them.

How Quebec’s Immigration Plan Compares to Other Provinces

Quebec has always had unique control over its immigration programs, but its recent moves further set it apart from other provinces. While the federal government has implemented caps on study and work permits due to housing pressures, Quebec’s new guidelines push even further—focusing more intensely on language, integration, and long-term social cohesion.

In comparison, other provinces continue to rely on immigration pathways like the Manitoba PNP to meet regional labour market needs, with fewer restrictions around country of origin or language upon arrival.

Final Thoughts

Quebec’s proposed immigration changes are a clear signal: the province is redefining how it selects newcomers, with a strong focus on French and long-term integration. While the overall number of immigrants may stay the same, the path to permanent residency in Quebec is narrowing and becoming more selective.

For those who are serious about settling in Quebec, especially temporary residents, the message is clear—invest in your French language skills, stay informed, and prepare for a more competitive process starting in 2025.

Want to know where you stand in Canada’s immigration system? It’s a great idea to explore your options now before these new policies kick in.