Quebec Sets New Immigration Limits for the 2024-2025 Period
As announced in the October 9, 2024 edition of the Gazette Officielle du Québec, a new ministerial order has set a cap on the number of foreign nationals invited to apply for permanent residence in Quebec during the 2024-2025 period. This policy aims to support Quebec’s economic and social priorities through a balanced and strategic immigration approach.
Key Details of the Immigration Cap
- Legal Framework: The new cap is enforced under Article 45 of the Québec Immigration Act, allowing the Minister of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration to regulate the number of invitations issued to foreign nationals. The policy focuses on promoting diversity and addressing labor market needs.
- Country-Specific Limit: No more than 25% of invitations can be issued to candidates from a single country during a single invitation period, promoting geographical diversity among selected applicants in Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP).
- Duration: The cap is effective from October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025, after which it may be reviewed or revised.
Impact on Prospective Immigrants:
- Geographical Diversity: This cap ensures a diverse pool of candidates by limiting invitations from any single country, encouraging broader global representation.
- Competitive Process: As country-specific limits tighten the process, applicants will need to align their profiles with Quebec’s in-demand skills and show proficiency in French to increase their chances.
- Francophone Integration: Quebec continues to emphasize integrating Francophone immigrants and addressing labor market shortages in sectors such as healthcare, IT, and manufacturing.
Next Steps for Applicants
- Monitor Draws: Candidates should keep track of invitation rounds and evolving selection criteria.
- Prepare Competitive Applications: It’s crucial for applicants to highlight their language proficiency, education, and relevant work experience in key sectors to increase their chances of being selected.
- This policy underscores Quebec’s focus on ensuring diversity while addressing economic needs through immigration. Further details on invitation numbers and draw schedules are expected to be released soon.
Will Other Provinces Follow?
Quebec’s decision to cap immigration invitations by country may inspire similar measures in other Canadian provinces, especially those like Ontario and British Columbia that receive a high number of immigrants. Provinces like Alberta and Manitoba, which rely heavily on immigration for labor needs, may also consider balancing economic demands with cultural diversity by adopting comparable strategies.
However, some provinces may prioritize larger immigration intakes to address urgent labor shortages in industries such as healthcare and skilled trades, rather than imposing caps. Quebec’s move could set a precedent in shaping future immigration strategies across Canada, particularly as the country focuses on regional immigration through programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Though no official decisions have been made by other provinces, there has been similar dialogue in the past. In November 2022, a senior vice president at RBC proposed diversifying Canada’s international student intake, noting the heavy reliance on students from China and India and suggesting Canada should attract more students from South America, Asia, and Francophone countries. This mirrors Quebec’s new policy of promoting broader diversity in immigration.
English: https://ttnimmigration.ca/vi/en/quebec-dua-ra-gioi-han-nhap-cu-moi-cho-giai-doan-2024-2025/
