Quebec Ends Permanent Residence Pathway for Workers and Graduates 2025

Quebec is undergoing a significant change in its immigration policy, effectively terminating its permanent residence program for foreign workers and international student graduates. The announcement of the move in November 2025 is an important alteration for thousands of temporary residents who were hoping to settle in the province. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), which enabled graduates and temporary foreign workers to get permanent resident status, will shut down on November 19, 2025. This ruling is part of a wider scheme to minimise the number of immigrants and focus more on integrating the French.

What’s Changing in Quebec Immigration?

The Quebec government has proposed its new immigration plan for 2026-2029, where there will be a very harsh limit of 45,000 permanent residents every year. It is a significant reduction compared to the former target of 61,000. The province also seeks to decrease the number of temporary residents by 13 per cent by 2029, although Montreal and Laval will be targeted. The reforms are to alleviate housing, medical, and social services pressure, as well as provide enhanced incorporation of newcomers.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• November 19, 2025: Graduates and temporary foreign workers under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) cease to exist.

• January 1, 2026: There will also be three permanent immigration pilot programs (food processing, orderlies, AI/IT/VFX sectors) terminated.

• 2026-2029: The permanent resident cap will stand at 45,000 per year.

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Why Is Quebec Making These Changes?

According to the government of Quebec, the new measures are needed to control the overall capacity of the province to receive and incorporate the newcomers. There has been a growth in temporary residents in the province, which has resulted in high demand for housing as well as service provision. Through restriction of immigration, Quebec is hoping to have a sustainable and high-quality education and healthcare system for the native and foreign inhabitants.

What Happens to Current Applicants?

The applications received earlier than the dates of closure will still be processed. Nevertheless, the PEQ streams will not accept any new applications after November 19, 2025. The Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) will be the only permanent immigration route for skilled workers in Quebec. This program will be handled using the Arrima platform and will request the applicants to show intermediate proficiency in French.

What Are the Future Challenges and Opportunities for Quebec Immigration?

As new Quebec immigration restrictions and program closures are due to come into effect in late 2025, the province has its share of problems and prospects. The lower consumption will ease pressure on services provided and enhance integration; however, it will leave fewer opportunities to the skilled workers and international graduates. 

The new Skilled Worker Selection Program and the increased level of French language requirement will require employers and applicants to change. Although this is the case, Quebec has had an emphasis on regional development and language integration, and thus provides immigrants who fit into the requirements a chance to flourish within the local communities.

Also Read: Canada Visitor Visa To Work Permit: Convert Your Visa

Impact on International Students

The restrictions will be imposed on international students in Quebec, particularly those who seek vocational or college-level education. The government has also come up with restrictions on applications to such programs, which will be effective on February 26, 2025. The most recent updates and the requirements are available on the official immigration site for students who intend to study in Quebec.

What’s Next for Quebec Immigration?

The new immigration system in Quebec focuses on French incorporation and regional equilibrium. It is the objective of the province to have 80 per cent of new permanent residents be able to speak intermediate French by 2029. It will probably result in tightening of the eligibility standards and a reduced number of candidates, which will put more pressure on urban centre employers.

How Will Businesses Be Affected?

The business community of Quebec is worried that the changes will further exacerbate the current labour shortages. The decrease in the number of temporary inhabitants and the shutdown of well-known migration routes might complicate the situation with the selection of trained employees, particularly in such industries as technological, medical, and hospitality.

Read More: Top 10 Benefits of Canadian Permanent Residency

Conclusion

The permanent residence pathway for foreign workers and international students in Quebec is coming to an end, which is a significant change in the immigration policy of the area. The new framework puts more emphasis on French integration and regional balance, whereby the eligibility standards are more stringent, and the number of immigrants is minimised. Candidates are advised to apply on time in case they want to make their applications before November 19, 2025. For comprehensive details on Quebec’s immigration programs and application procedures, visit the official Quebec government immigration site. To know more about Quebec immigration, visit TerraTern now!