Québec Announces New Immigration Targets and Ends PEQ Program
Big changes are on the horizon for immigration in Québec. The provincial government, led by Premier François Legault, has unveiled its immigration plan for 2026 to 2029, setting a target of welcoming 45,000 permanent immigrants each year. This represents a noticeable reduction compared to current levels, where projections for 2025 estimate between 57,000 and 61,000 new permanent residents. The plan was introduced by Jean-François Roberge, Québec’s Minister of Immigration, following a series of public consultations earlier this year.
One of the most significant shifts is the official abolition of the popular Programme de l’expérience québécoise, or PEQ. This program, which allowed a fast-track route to permanent residency, had been suspended since October 2024 due to its high demand exceeding Québec’s immigration targets. Going forward, the fast-track pathway for skilled workers will be handled exclusively through the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). However, applications submitted before the end of the PEQ will still be processed until November 19, 2025.
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The government is also focusing on reinforcing the French language among newcomers. The new plan targets a rate of more than 77% of permanent immigrants having knowledge of French. Additionally, Québec aims for a growing share of immigrants already living in the province to account for at least 65% of admissions by the end of the period. The economic immigration stream is expected to make up 64% of all permanent admissions. The plan allows for some flexibility, as Québec may adjust the annual immigration levels before 2029 based on federal temporary resident admissions and economic conditions.
Temporary immigration will also see changes. The number of non-permanent residents will be reduced, with a goal of limiting the number of foreign workers to 65,000 and international students to 110,000—a 13% overall decrease compared to 2024. New rules will require foreign workers who have stayed in Québec for more than three years to demonstrate some oral proficiency in French, though exemptions are in place for agricultural workers, diplomatic staff, and certain NGO employees. French language checks for temporary residents are scheduled to begin in December 2028.
Certain regional measures are included as well. In Montréal and Laval, the intake of temporary foreign workers will remain paused until the end of 2026 to manage workforce availability and protect the use of French. The collective sponsorship program for refugees remains suspended until 2029, except for family reunification cases.
Ultimately, the government opted for the highest of three proposed immigration scenarios, with annual targets of 45,000 permanent residents rather than the more restrictive 25,000 or 35,000 options. Through these changes, Québec aims to carefully balance population growth, the integration of newcomers, and the promotion of the French language while transitioning to a more controlled and sustainable immigration system.
These reforms mark a major shift in how Québec manages both permanent and temporary immigration, signaling a move toward stricter selection, enhanced language requirements, and the end of long-standing fast-track programs like the PEQ.
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