Quebec Sets Out 2026 Immigration Goals and Admission Targets

On November 6, 2025, the Quebec government officially released its latest Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2029, outlining key updates and strategic changes to its immigration policies.

Under the new plan, Quebec Immigration will primarily focus on granting permanent residency (PR) to individuals already living in the province as temporary residents. For 2026, Quebec plans to admit between 43,000 and 47,000 new immigrants, setting both a minimum and a maximum target range for admissions.

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Quebec Admission Target Ranges for 2025 and 2026

The newly announced targets indicate a decrease in both the minimum and maximum admission levels compared to the previous year’s immigration goals. The plan reflects Quebec’s intention to maintain a balanced approach to immigration, aligning with its economic capacity, labour market needs, and commitment to the French language.

Permanent Residents of Quebec in 2026

In the upcoming year, Quebec is expected to admit around 45,000 permanent residents, with approximately 54% of them transitioning from temporary resident status to permanent resident status.

The province’s permanent resident admission targets for 2026 are distributed across the following categories:

• Economic immigration: 27,500 to 30,100
• Family reunification: 9,600 to 10,400
• Refugees and similar humanitarian cases: 5,500 to 6,000
• Other immigrants: 400 to 500

Within the economic immigration category, Quebec plans to welcome between 27,050 and 29,500 skilled workers as new permanent residents.

Furthermore, the province continues to emphasize the integration of the French language. Quebec’s immigration targets remain consistent with its earlier plans, which proposed admitting between 25,000 and 45,000 permanent residents overall.

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Temporary Residents of Quebec in 2026

Along with permanent resident targets, Quebec has also outlined minimum and maximum target ranges for temporary resident admissions for the coming year.

According to the latest update of the Quebec Immigration Plan, the province aims to admit up to 55,700 temporary foreign workers and 68,500 international students in 2026. These figures include both new arrivals and those already in Quebec who plan to renew or extend their current permits.

Highlights of Quebec Immigration Plan

To better align immigration with Quebec’s social and economic needs, the province has announced several major updates that will impact future PR applicants. Most changes take effect between late 2025 and early 2026.

• End of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), a popular and fast route to permanent residency for temporary workers and international graduates, will end on November 19, 2025. It will be replaced by the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which focuses on graduates from Quebec institutions, candidates willing to live in rural regions, and those with strong French language skills.

• Closure of Immigration Pilot Programs: All pilot programs for food processing, caregiving, and AI/IT/visual effects professionals will close on January 1, 2026. These will merge into the PSTQ, creating a more unified and simplified immigration system in Quebec.

• Continued Pause on Refugee Collective Sponsorship: The Refugee Abroad Program (Collective Sponsorship) will stay paused until December 31, 2029, as Quebec shifts focus to supporting and integrating refugees already living in the province.

• LMIA Suspension in Montreal and Laval: To manage population growth, Quebec will extend the suspension of specific LMIA applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in Montreal and Laval until December 31, 2026. This measure redirects foreign workers to regions with labour shortages, promoting balanced economic development.

• French Language Requirement for Foreign Workers: From December 17, 2025, temporary foreign workers renewing their Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) after three years must demonstrate Level 4 French proficiency. This reinforces Quebec’s commitment to promoting French and supporting linguistic integration for all newcomers.

While Quebec refines its programs, Canada remains one of the top global destinations for immigrants. Through the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, the federal government aims to strengthen the economy, address labour shortages, and ensure lasting benefits for newcomers and the nation as a whole.

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Source: quebec.ca

Tags: Quebec Immigration Skilled Worker Selection Program Quebec Immigration Plan 2026 Quebec Immigration Levels Plan Quebec Skilled Worker Program Quebec Immigration Levels Plan 2026 Quebec Immigration Targets Quebec Immigration News