On October 31, 2024, Quebec announced its 2025 Immigration Plan, pausing two major programs to prioritize French-speaking immigrants. This move impacts thousands of graduates and skilled workers planning to settle in Quebec. Discover who’s affected, why this matters, and alternative options today.
Quebec has suspended the Quebec Graduate stream of the PEQ and the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) from October 31, 2024 to June 30, 2025. In addition to pausing key programs, Quebec recently implemented a 25% cap per country for its skilled worker program. This move reflects the government’s aim to prioritize Francophone immigrants while addressing integration challenges.
This decision aligns with ongoing political debates on Quebec’s identity and language. Pressured by rising federal immigration levels, Quebec is using these suspensions to control who settles in the province. Thousands of international graduates and skilled workers now face delays, with their future plans in Quebec uncertain as they await policy changes.
International students and skilled workers are most impacted by the new measures. With the PEQ Graduate and RSWP streams paused, an estimated 15,000+ applicants must either wait or seek alternatives. This suspension affects graduates looking for a pathway to permanent residency, forcing them to delay their plans.
Skilled workers expecting invitations through RSWP are similarly stalled until next summer. Although Job Offer Validations (VOJ) remain valid for 18 months, these delays could lead to even larger backlogs. As the suspension continues, many applicants face uncertainty, making it crucial to reassess their plans promptly.
Despite the suspensions, several immigration pathways are still available. The PEQ Temporary Foreign Worker stream remains open, as do Quebec’s sector-specific pilot programs in healthcare, food processing, and technology. These programs focus on Francophone and in-demand skilled applicants.
Family reunification is another viable option, allowing residents to sponsor spouses, children, and parents. Federal programs, such as Express Entry, provide additional routes for immigrants willing to settle outside Quebec. In light of Quebec’s uncertain immigration landscape, exploring these options now can help applicants stay on track for Canadian residency.
Quebec’s temporary measures highlight the need to plan ahead. While thousands of skilled workers and graduates face delays, practical alternatives are available. Start exploring open pathways with Aïa, your virtual immigration assistant, consider work permits, family sponsorship, and more. Take proactive steps now to keep your Canadian residency goals on track.
In September 2024, Manitoba introduced measures to retain skilled labor by supporting work permit extensions for temporary residents eligible for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). This initiative aims to address labor market needs and provide a pathway to citizenship for qualified workers.
Kim Thúy, arriving in Canada as a Vietnamese refugee at age 10, has become a celebrated author. Her debut novel, Ru, won the 2010 Governor General's Literary Award and has been translated into over 15 languages. Thúy's journey exemplifies the profound cultural and literary contributions immigrants bring to Canada.