Quebec Immigration in 2024: A Comprehensive Review - Canada ...

Quebec’s immigration policies in 2024 showcased a unique and evolving approach to balancing economic, cultural, and humanitarian priorities.

This year, the province introduced several significant changes, including new programs, immigration freezes, and a controversial country cap for skilled worker applicants.

These developments reflect Quebec’s continued efforts to align its immigration framework with its labor market needs and cultural identity.

Here’s a comprehensive review of Quebec’s immigration strategies and developments in 2024.

On This Page You Will Find: An overview of Quebec’s immigration numbers for 2024. Details about the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) and its four streams. Information on the 25% cap on skilled worker applicants from any single country. Updates on the Quebec Graduate Stream freeze and its impacts. Key highlights from Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Plan and its focus on economic, family, and refugee immigration categories. Immigration Numbers for 2024

From January to October 2024, Quebec welcomed 50,450 immigrants, divided across several key categories:

Economic Immigration (34,230 Total) Skilled Worker Program (29,040): This program dominated economic immigration, reflecting Quebec’s reliance on skilled workers to address labor shortages. Business Immigration (5,180): Investor Program (4,620): Despite its upcoming reductions, this pathway remained a significant contributor. Entrepreneur (215) and Self-Employed (340): These smaller streams supported innovation and entrepreneurship within Quebec’s economy. Family Sponsorship (9,395 Total) Spouses/Partners (6,945): The largest segment, underscoring Quebec’s commitment to family reunification. Parents and Grandparents (1,820): Highlighting the province’s efforts to support extended family connections. Refugee Resettlement and Protected Persons (6,195 Total) Government-Assisted Refugees (1,365): Reflecting Quebec’s robust humanitarian commitments. Protected Persons (3,980): Demonstrating the province’s vital role in granting asylum to vulnerable populations. Other Immigration (630 Total) This category captured various smaller or miscellaneous pathways. Key Immigration Developments in 2024 Introduction of the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)

On November 29, 2024, Quebec launched the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) to replace the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). This marked a significant shift in Quebec’s economic immigration strategy, aiming to better meet the province’s labor market and demographic needs.

Key Features of the SWSP: Four Targeted Streams: High Qualification and Specialized Skills Intermediate and Manual Skills Regulated Professions Exceptional Talent

Each stream features unique criteria, allowing the program to attract diverse talents, from high-skilled professionals to manual workers and exceptional achievers in fields like arts and sports.

Enhanced Language Requirements: Proficiency in French is now tailored to the specific stream and job category, ensuring better integration into Quebec’s Francophone society. Focus on Regulated Professions: Applicants in regulated fields must meet licensing or certification requirements, emphasizing quality and readiness to contribute.

While the SWSP introduces innovation and clarity, invitations under this program have been temporarily suspended until June 30, 2025, to allow alignment with Quebec’s new multi-year immigration plan.

25 percent Cap on Skilled Worker Applicants from Any Single Country

Effective October 2024, Quebec implemented a 25% cap on the number of skilled worker applicants from any one country under the Skilled Worker Program. This policy, in effect until October 2025, aims to diversify Quebec’s immigrant sources and preserve its cultural and linguistic identity.

Implications: Diversity: The cap encourages a broader distribution of immigrants from underrepresented countries, ensuring greater cultural variety. Challenges: Critics argue that this policy may exacerbate labor shortages, particularly in industries like IT and healthcare, which rely heavily on skilled professionals from high-volume countries like India and China. Freeze on Quebec Graduate Stream Applications

As part of efforts to manage immigration levels, Quebec suspended applications under the Quebec Graduate stream of the Quebec Experience Program. This measure is expected to reduce admissions in this category to 13,500–15,000 in 2025, down from 15,000–19,000 in previous years.

While applications already submitted will continue to be processed, this suspension highlights Quebec’s attempt to recalibrate its economic immigration programs.

Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Plan

Quebec announced its 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, maintaining its target of 48,500–51,500 immigrants, consistent with 2024.

Highlights of the Plan: Economic Immigration: Between 31,000 and 32,900 admissions will come through economic streams, with skilled workers continuing to dominate. However, business immigration is set to decline to 400–500, reflecting changes to the Investor Program. Family Sponsorship: The province plans to admit between 10,200 and 10,600 under family sponsorship, ensuring continued support for family reunification. Refugees and Protected Persons: Between 6,600 and 7,200 refugees and protected persons will be welcomed, emphasizing Quebec’s humanitarian commitments.

Notably, the plan does not include targets for temporary immigration, signaling a shift in Quebec’s focus toward permanent residency pathways.

Funding for Temporary Immigration

In 2024, the federal government allocated $750 million to Quebec to support temporary immigrants and asylum seekers. While less than the $1 billion requested, this funding highlights the province’s significant role in accommodating temporary migrants and managing related social services.

Economic and Social Impacts Labor Market Needs vs. Immigration Caps

The 25% country cap and program freezes raise concerns about meeting labor market demands. Industries such as healthcare, construction, and IT rely heavily on foreign-trained professionals from high-volume countries. These policies may slow efforts to address Quebec’s labor shortages, creating challenges for employers.

Cultural Preservation and Integration

Quebec has consistently emphasized its Francophone identity through language requirements, financial independence contracts, and a Values Certificate for new immigrants. While these measures promote integration, they may deter non-French-speaking skilled workers, potentially reducing the talent pool.

Refugee Resettlement and Family Reunification

Despite its focus on economic immigration, Quebec continues to play a critical role in refugee resettlement and family reunification. With 6,195 refugees and protected persons and 9,395 family-sponsored immigrants, these categories reflect Quebec’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and community growth.

Conclusion: A Year of Transition and Strategy

Quebec’s immigration policies in 2024 reflect its unique position within Canada’s immigration framework. The introduction of the SWSP, alongside category freezes and funding negotiations, highlights a year of significant transition.

As Quebec prepares for 2025, it faces critical challenges, including labor shortages, maintaining cultural integrity, and balancing economic and social priorities. The province’s approach to diversifying immigrant sources, coupled with its focus on skilled workers and Francophone integration, underscores its long-term vision for sustainable growth.

Moving forward, Quebec’s ability to navigate these challenges while fostering innovation and inclusion will determine the success of its immigration strategy in meeting both local and global demands.

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