Québec’s Minister of Immigration, Francization, and Integration presented the province’s Pluriannual Orientations on Immigration for 2026–2029 and tabled the Québec Immigration Plan for 2026. These announcements outline the government’s direction for managing both permanent and temporary immigration over the next several years.
Québec’s Immigration Plan for 2026: Key Targets
For 2026, Québec plans to permanently admit 45,000 immigrants under its selection authority. For the first time, the plan also includes temporary immigration in the two programs requiring Québec’s consent: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Student Program. Québec anticipates 84,900 to 124,200 temporary admissions in 2026 under these categories.
To achieve the goals set for 2026–2029, the Gouvernement du Québec will implement a series of complementary measures across its immigration programs.
Complementary Measures by Program
Skilled Workers
The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) will become the sole pathway for the permanent selection of skilled workers. This modernized and flexible program aligns with Québec’s updated objectives for immigrant selection and integration. Individuals wishing to settle permanently in Québec to work can declare their interest via the Arrima platform.
The Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ), including its Québec Graduate and Temporary Foreign Worker streams, will officially end on November 19, 2025 (these streams are currently suspended).
The three permanent immigration pilot programs will end as planned on January 1, 2026:
- Pilot for food processing workers
- Pilot for orderlies
- Pilot for workers in artificial intelligence (AI), information technologies (IT), and visual effects (VFX)
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Suspension of Certain LMIA Applications
The suspension of some Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for jobs in the Montréal and Laval regions is extended to December 31, 2026. This measure supports the government’s orientation to reduce the number of non-permanent residents during a period of economic slowdown and to encourage recruitment from within Québec.
It applies only to Montréal and Laval, recognizing the distinct regional realities and economic needs of these areas.
New French Language Requirement
Starting December 17, 2025, workers who apply for a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) under the TFWP after three years of work in Québec will be required to demonstrate level 4 spoken French proficiency. Certain exceptions apply (see below).
A three-year transitional period will help current TFWs attain and demonstrate this French proficiency. Therefore, the verification of French knowledge will begin on December 17, 2028.
This measure underscores that French is Québec’s official and common language, a cornerstone of its cultural and social identity and a key factor in successful immigrant integration.
Additional Information for Applicants
Skilled Workers
All existing applications for permanent selection under the PEQ and the three pilot programs will continue to be processed by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
Only the Francophone profile of the AI pilot program (AI, IT, and VFX sectors) is still accepting applications until December 31. Other programs have reached their quotas.
Applications to add dependent children or spouses for those already selected will continue to be processed.
Those previously eligible under the PEQ or pilot programs may declare their interest in permanent immigration via Arrima. Since July 2025, invitations under the PSTQ prioritize:
- Individuals already settled in Québec
- Holders of Québec diplomas
- Workers in the regions
- People in high-demand occupations
- Applicants with strong French proficiency
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
The LMIA suspension for Montréal and Laval applies to:
- Applications under the facilitated process
- Renewals of work permits for existing TFWs in these regions
The federal government will continue to refuse LMIA applications for low-wage positions in Montréal’s census area as long as unemployment there remains 6% or higher.
Exemptions from the French Requirement
- Agricultural temporary foreign workers
- Employees of foreign state offices
- International staff of recognized international non-governmental organizations (INGOs)
The Regulation amending the Québec Immigration Regulation and the relevant ministerial orders will be published in the Gazette officielle du Québec on November 19, 2025.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
