Quebec’s Immigration Landscape in 2024
In 2024, Quebec’s immigration policies highlighted an innovative approach to harmonize economic, cultural, and humanitarian priorities. This year, the province introduced several major updates, such as the launch of new programs, temporary halts in certain immigration categories, and the implementation of a controversial quota for skilled worker applications from specific countries. These changes are part of Quebec’s ongoing efforts to align its immigration system with the region’s labor market demands and cultural values. Here’s an in-depth look at Quebec’s immigration strategies and developments for 2024.
Immigration Statistics for 2024: A Look at Quebec’s Numbers
Between January and October 2024, Quebec opened its doors to 50,450 newcomers, across several major categories:
Economic Immigration (34,230 Total)
- Skilled Worker Program (29,040): This category led economic immigration, highlighting Quebec’s dependence on skilled workers to fill labor shortages.
- Business Immigration (5,180):
- Investor Program (4,620): This route, despite anticipated reductions, continued to play a vital role.
- Entrepreneur (215) and Self-Employed (340): These smaller channels fostered innovation and entrepreneurship in Quebec’s economy.
Family Sponsorship (9,395 Total)
- Spouses/Partners (6,945): This was the largest segment, reflecting Quebec’s commitment to family reunification.
- Parents and Grandparents (1,820): Emphasizing the province’s efforts to strengthen extended family bonds.
Refugee Resettlement and Protected Persons (6,195 Total)
- Government-Assisted Refugees (1,365): Showcasing Quebec’s strong humanitarian efforts.
- Protected Persons (3,980): Illustrating the province’s essential role in offering asylum to vulnerable groups.
Other Immigration (630 Total) This category accounted for various smaller or miscellaneous immigration routes.
Key Immigration Updates for 2024
Introduction of the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) On November 29, 2024, Quebec unveiled the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) to succeed the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). This important adjustment in Quebec’s economic immigration framework aims to more effectively address the province’s labor market needs and demographic objectives.
Main Features of the SWSP: Four Tailored Streams:
- Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
- Intermediate and Manual Skills
- Regulated Professions
- Exceptional Talent
Each stream has distinct criteria, designed to draw a wide range of talents, from highly skilled professionals to manual workers, and individuals with exceptional achievements in areas like the arts and sports.
Enhanced Language Requirements: French language proficiency is now specifically aligned with each stream and job category, facilitating smoother integration into Quebec’s Francophone culture.
Emphasis on Regulated Professions: Candidates in regulated fields are required to meet licensing or certification standards, highlighting preparedness and ability to contribute effectively.
While the SWSP introduces innovation and clarity, invitations under this program are paused until June 30, 2025, to synchronize with Quebec’s new long-term immigration strategy.
25 Percent Cap on Skilled Worker Applicants from Any Single Country Starting in October 2024, Quebec enforced a 25% limit on the number of skilled worker applicants from any single nation within the Skilled Worker Program. This measure, effective until October 2025, seeks to diversify Quebec’s immigrant sources while maintaining its cultural and linguistic heritage.
Implications: Diversity: The cap leads to a wider distribution of immigrants from less represented countries, fostering more cultural variety. Challenges: Critics point out that this policy might worsen labor shortages, especially in sectors like IT and healthcare, which heavily depend on skilled professionals from high-volume countries such as India and China.
Quebec Graduate Stream Applications Halted
In an effort to regulate immigration numbers, Quebec has temporarily stopped accepting applications for the Quebec Graduate stream within the Quebec Experience Program. This pause is expected to decrease admissions in this category to between 13,500 and 15,000 by 2025, down from the previous 15,000 to 19,000 range.
Applications that have already been submitted will still be processed, signaling Quebec’s intent to fine-tune its economic immigration strategies.
Quebec’s Immigration Plan for 2025
Quebec has unveiled its 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, aiming to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 new immigrants, the same target set for 2024.
Key Aspects of the Plan: Economic Immigration: The province plans to admit between 31,000 and 32,900 individuals through economic channels, with skilled workers taking the lead. However, business immigration is expected to drop to between 400 and 500, due to revisions in the Investor Program. Family Sponsorship: Quebec aims to accept between 10,200 and 10,600 individuals through family sponsorship to ensure ongoing family reunification efforts. Refugees and Protected Persons: The plan includes welcoming between 6,600 and 7,200 refugees and protected persons, highlighting Quebec’s dedication to humanitarian causes. Interestingly, the plan does not feature goals for temporary immigration, suggesting Quebec’s increased focus on pathways to permanent residency.
Federal Support for Temporary Immigration
In 2024, the federal government allocated $750 million to Quebec to aid temporary immigrants and asylum seekers. Although this amount falls short of the $1 billion requested, it underscores the province’s key role in supporting temporary migrants and addressing the associated social services needs.
