On October 9, 2024, Quebec’s immigration minister, Jean François Roberge, introduced a new policy that caps the number of invitations issued to foreign nationals under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) to 25% from any one country. This policy will be in effect from October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025.
For each immigration draw conducted by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, no more than 25% of the invitations will be allocated to applicants from a single country. According to Roberge, the goal of this policy is to enhance the diversity of economic immigrants settling in Quebec by ensuring a broader range of national origins.
Roberge noted that in 2024, the diversity of origins among applicants for the Regular Skilled Worker Program has noticeably decreased, prompting the implementation of this measure. Although the current restriction only applies to the Regular Skilled Worker Program, there is potential for it to extend to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which will eventually replace the Regular Skilled Worker Program.
The Quebec government also clarified that the new policy would not affect the proportion of French-speaking applicants who receive invitations.
About the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ)
Quebec’s immigration process for skilled workers is unique compared to other provinces in Canada. To begin the process, candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima platform, where they are evaluated and ranked based on several criteria, including:
- Age;
- Education;
- Language skills;
- Work experience;
- Family composition;
- Job offers; and
- Family ties to Quebec.
Candidates proficient in French are awarded significantly higher points compared to those with English language skills under the scoring grid for the Regular Skilled Worker Program. Quebec selects the highest-ranking candidates from the Arrima pool and invites them to apply through the Mon Project Quebec portal.
Successful applicants receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which is necessary to apply to the federal government for permanent residency in Canada.
This new policy aims to promote a more diverse immigrant population while maintaining Quebec’s commitment to welcoming French speakers.