Jul 03

Quebec Tightens Economic Immigration Criteria: What It Means for Migrant Workers and Students

n late 2024, the Quebec government announced major revisions to its economic immigration programs, aiming to reduce overall immigration numbers and prioritize applicants with strong French language skills.

Key Changes

  • Temporary suspension of PRTQ and PEQ–Diploma: From October 31, 2024, until June 30, 2025, Quebec has paused invitations under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ, soon to be PSTQ) and direct admissions under the PEQ–Diploma stream.

  • Higher French requirements: Applicants under the PEQ–Diploma must now have completed at least 75% of their studies in French and prove written proficiency at level B2.

  • Country cap: To diversify its pool, Quebec has introduced a limit so that no single country can account for more than 25% of accepted candidates in each selection round.

  • Suspension of low-wage EIMT in Montreal: As of September 3, 2024, the province suspended the Labour Market Impact Assessment (EIMT) process for low-wage positions in the Montreal area to ease pressure on local employment.

  • Impact on MIGRANT WORKERS AND STUDENTS

These measures are expected to reduce the number of new economic immigrants, affecting thousands of international students and temporary workers seeking permanent residency. The focus on French-language skills and regional diversity may particularly impact students at English-language institutions and workers from countries that previously dominated acceptance numbers.

While Quebec says these changes aim to better align immigration with the province’s economic and linguistic priorities, they also raise concerns about delays in family reunification and the long-term integration of migrant workers who contribute to Quebec’s economy.

At the Immigrant Workers Centre, we will continue to monitor these changes and support workers and students navigating this evolving immigration landscape.

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