Quebec Plans to Welcome 45,000 Permanent Immigrants Annually (2026-2029)

The Québec government has announced plans to welcome 45,000 permanent immigrants annually from 2026 to 2029. This figure marks a decrease from current admission rates. Additionally, the government intends to reduce the number of non-permanent residents and discontinue the popular Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), which had been on hold for over a year.

Key Immigration Planning Details

Jean-François Roberge, the Minister of Immigration, presented the 2026-2029 immigration plan on Thursday. Earlier this autumn, he conducted public consultations regarding the immigration targets. Ultimately, he selected the highest proposed target of 45,000 immigrants per year, while other scenarios suggested 25,000 or 35,000.

Permanent Immigration Goals

• Between 43,000 and 47,000 permanent immigrants are anticipated by 2026.
• This is a drop from the projected 57,210 to 61,220 immigrants expected in 2025.

Of particular importance to the government is the focus on French language proficiency. Québec aims for more than 77% of new permanent immigrants to have knowledge of French. Additionally, the government seeks to increase the share of immigrants already residing in Québec to represent at least 65% of total admissions by the end of this planning period. Economic immigration is projected to account for 64% of all permanent admissions.

Potential Adjustments to Immigration Thresholds

The government has indicated that it may adjust these permanent immigration thresholds before the completion of the four-year plan. This will depend on the number of temporary immigrants allowed by the federal government and overall economic conditions.

Temporary Immigration Changes

In terms of temporary immigration, Québec plans to reduce the number of non-permanent residents. The aim is to cap the following categories:

• 65,000 permit holders in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (PTET).
• 110,000 permit holders in the International Student Program (PÉE).

This represents an overall reduction of 13% compared to figures from 2024. Temporary foreign workers who have lived in Québec for over three years will be required to demonstrate basic oral French knowledge, with exemptions for agricultural workers and certain international employees.

Abolition of the Quebec Experience Program

A significant change is the official abolition of the popular Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), suspended since October 2024. This program, known for its continuous, capped admissions, had consistently exceeded the government’s immigration targets. Moving forward, the new streamlined pathway for obtaining permanent residency will be the Qualified Workers Selection Program (PSTQ).

Applications submitted before the PEQ’s termination will continue to be processed until November 19. The government justifies the need for more efficient oversight of immigration programs by the need to reduce admission targets.

Future Steps and Considerations

Québec will maintain a suspension of the Refugee Sponsorship Program until December 31, 2029. This applies except for family member additions. Additionally, the suspension of some applications in the PTET for the Montreal and Laval regions will remain effective until December 31, 2026.

The province aims to stabilize the number of non-permanent residents in these areas, where available labor is abundant, while addressing challenges related to the sustainability of the French language.