The Government of Québec has tabled its new immigration orientations for 2026–2029 and the Immigration Plan for 2026, outlining a major shift in both permanent and temporary immigration policies.
Balancing Immigration and Integration
The 2026–2029 immigration orientations aim to limit the overall number of immigrants, both temporary and permanent, to reduce pressure on Québec’s ability to receive and integrate newcomers effectively.
The government’s approach focuses on maintaining the vitality of regions while restoring balance between Québec’s socioeconomic needs and its capacity to integrate immigrants in French—a central pillar of Québec’s identity.
Québec Immigration Plan for 2026: Key Highlights
- Permanent Immigration: Québec plans to admit 45,000 permanent residents in 2026.
- Temporary Immigration: For the first time, the plan also covers temporary immigration through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Student Program, projecting between 84,900 and 124,200 temporary admissions for 2026.
Together, these initiatives reflect Québec’s goal to strengthen integration in French while responding to the province’s economic realities.
Complementary Measures and Program Updates
1. Skilled Workers
The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ)—Skilled Worker Selection Program—will now be the only pathway for the permanent selection of skilled workers. It replaces the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ), whose two streams (Québec Graduate and Temporary Foreign Worker) will end on November 19, 2025.
Additionally, the three pilot programs for:
- Food processing workers
- Orderlies
- AI, IT, and visual effects professionals
will conclude as planned on January 1, 2026.
Those interested in permanent immigration are encouraged to submit a declaration of interest on the Arrima platform.
Since July 2025, PSTQ invitations prioritize individuals who:
- Already live in Québec
- Hold a Québec diploma
- Work in regional areas
- Practice in high-demand occupations
- Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of French
2. Program for Refugees Abroad (Collective Sponsorship)
The suspension of new applications for this program is extended until December 31, 2029. Québec will continue prioritizing the reception and integration of refugees already in the province. Exceptions to the suspension remain in effect, and ongoing applications that meet eligibility requirements will still be processed.
3. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Key updates under the TFWP include:
- The suspension of certain LMIA applications for jobs located in Montréal and Laval is extended to December 31, 2026. This aims to reduce the number of non-permanent residents and encourage employers to recruit from the existing local workforce.
- A French language requirement will be introduced: workers applying for a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) after three years of work in Québec must demonstrate Level 4 proficiency in spoken French (with exceptions for agricultural workers, diplomats, and international organization employees).
- Effective date: December 17, 2025
- French verification begins: December 17, 2028 (after a three-year transition period)
This measure emphasizes Québec’s commitment to maintaining French as the common language of public life and integration.
What Happens to Current Applications?
- All applications already submitted under the PEQ or pilot programs will continue to be reviewed by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
- Applications to add family members (spouses or dependent children) remain accepted and will be processed.
- The Francophone profile of the AI stream under the pilot program remains open for new applications until December 31, 2025, while other streams have reached their intake limits.
For those who previously qualified under suspended programs, Québec encourages creating a declaration of interest in Arrima for potential selection through the PSTQ.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Immigration
Through these measures, Québec is signaling a new era of immigration policy—one that seeks to stabilize numbers, prioritize integration in French, and support regional development. The government emphasizes that French remains the cornerstone of Québec’s cultural and social identity, and that future immigration will be shaped by this guiding principle.
Stay Informed:
If you are affected by any of these changes, you can find detailed guidance on the official Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) website.
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