Quebec will welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 new immigrants in 2025, under a plan tabled before parliament on Thursday.
The numbers are exactly the same as the target for 2024, as the province continues to limit its level of immigration in line with what it believes it can absorb.
The plan follows the recent federal Immigration Levels Plan, which saw significant cuts to the numbers of newcomers in the next three years.
Quebec Immigration Plan 2025
2022 | 2023 | 2024 (estimated) | 2025 (planned) | |||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
Economic | 45,547 | 34,203 | 30,310 | 33,250 | 31,000 | 32,900 |
· Skilled Workers | 40,065 | 29,826 | 29,000 | 31,900 | 30,600 | 32,350 |
· Business | 5,201 | 4,300 | 1,300 | 1,300 | 400 | 500 |
· Other economic | 281 | 77 | 10 | 50 | 0 | 50 |
Family | 12,907 | 10,292 | 10,600 | 11,000 | 10,200 | 10,600 |
Refugees | 7,809 | 5,435 | 6,700 | 7,300 | 6,600 | 7,200 |
Others | 2,459 | 896 | 700 | 800 | 700 | 800 |
TOTAL | 68,722 | 50,826 | 48,310 | 52,350 | 48,500 | 51,500 |
The vast majority of Quebec’s immigrants will come through the economic class. The plan provides for between 31,000 and 32,900 new economic immigrants in 2025. These will be mainly made up of skilled workers.
There will also be admissions under the Quebec Graduates stream of the Quebec Experience Program, not included in these numbers and expected to be between 13,500 and 15,000. This makes economic immigration 72 percent of the total.
The plan sees a significant reduction in the number of business immigrants to be welcomed next year, down to between 400 and 500 from about 1,300 this year.
After economic, the next biggest category is family, with Quebec planning to welcome between 10,200 and 10,600 family class immigrants in 2025. It will also welcome between 6,600 and 7,200 in the refugee category, and between 700 and 800 categorised as ‘others’.
No Temporary Immigration Targets
In a change from 2024, Quebec refrained from issuing temporary immigration targets in the new plan. However, it did indicate that new multi-year immigration levels would be in place by June 30, 2025. It is likely that temporary immigration targets will be part of this plan.
Program Suspensions
In announcing the new Quebec Immigration Plan, Immigration Minister Jean-Francois Roberge also announced measures to control the number of newcomers, both of which will be in place until June 30, 2025:
- The suspension of applications under the Quebec Graduate stream of the Quebec Experience Program;
- The suspension of invitations under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP), which will become the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) on November 29, 2024.
Quebec Graduate
While Quebec Graduate applications will be suspended, those already submitted will be considered, Quebec said. Anyone already selected through the program can continue the immigration process and apply to add family members to their application
Applications through the Temporary Foreign Worker stream of the Quebec Experience Program will continue to be accepted as normal.
The decision is expected to reduce the number of Quebec Graduates admitted in 2025 to between 13,500 and 15,000, from between 15,000 and 19,000.
Regular Skilled Worker Program
While invitations through the RSWP, soon to become the SWSP, are suspended, those already selected can submit their application within a 60-day window, and be processed as normal.
Applications already submitted will also be processed as normal.
Recent Changes
The latest changes follow a recent move by Roberge to announce a 25 percent cap on the number of foreign nationals from any single country invited to apply under the Regular Skilled Worker Program.
The policy is effective from October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025.
The minister said the move was intended to diversify immigration sources while maintaining the province’s cultural and linguistic integrity, especially its Francophone character.
Quebec Immigration Plan FAQ
What is Quebec’s immigration target for 2025?
Quebec aims to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 newcomers in 2025, with the majority (31,000–32,900) being economic immigrants, mainly skilled workers. This number matches the 2024 target as Quebec continues to manage its immigration capacity to align with its economic, cultural, and social goals.
How does the 2025 target differ from 2024’s?
The 2025 target is consistent with 2024, reflecting Quebec’s cautious approach to immigration. Quebec prioritizes sustainable integration, maintaining similar levels to prevent overstretching its social services, housing, and labor market. The plan balances population growth while preserving Quebec’s cultural and linguistic heritage, particularly its Francophone identity.
What are the changes to economic immigration in 2025?
Quebec plans a major reduction in business immigration, targeting between 400 and 500 business immigrants in 2025, down from approximately 1,300 in 2024. This shift reflects Quebec’s focus on skilled workers and other economic immigrants to meet labor needs and sustain its economy.
Are there program suspensions in 2025?
Yes, Quebec has temporarily suspended the Quebec Graduate stream of the Quebec Experience Program and invitations for the Regular Skilled Worker Program. These suspensions will last until June 30, 2025, aiming to manage applicant numbers while Quebec reforms its immigration selection processes.
Will Quebec introduce multi-year immigration targets?
Quebec plans to announce multi-year immigration targets by June 30, 2025, which may include temporary immigration goals. This approach aims to create a more structured framework for Quebec’s immigration policy, helping the province align long-term planning with demographic and labor market needs.