François Legault’s government in Quebec announced new reforms to its economic immigration programs on May 25, with a focus on French proficiency.

immigration thresholds

The government plans to increase the annual number of newly admitted permanent residents to 60,000, a proposal that will be the subject of public consultation. In this first scenario, foreign graduates from Quebec would be exempt from this quota. The alternative would be to keep the current threshold of 50,000 immigrants per year, which has been constant since 2009.

Relief for foreign students

French-speaking foreign students or those studying in French benefit from measures to promote their integration. In lieu of the currently required 12-18 months of work experience, a Quebec graduate may apply for permanent residency immediately upon graduation.

Those not working in French-speaking institutions can demonstrate their proficiency in French by completing at least three years of secondary or post-secondary studies in that language.

Knowledge of French required

French becomes a requirement for all economic immigration programs, except for exceptional talent. The Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ), one of the two main immigration routes, is being replaced by the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). The latter requires an Oral French level of 7corresponds to intermediate language skills.

New measures for temporary workers

The PSTQ reserves a place for people with intermediate and manual skills, with the requirements in oral French modulated at level 5, ie the beginning of an intermediate mastery of the language.

The Legault government is thus creating a new passageway for less specialized foreign temporary workers, more and more of whom are staying in Quebec year-round.

Expansion of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

The temporary work component of the PEQ is expanded to include an additional category of jobs. These positions do not require a college degree, but require more than six months of on-the-job training or less than two years of training.

Integration plan for family reunification

With regard to family reunification, the Legault government adds the obligation to present an integration plan, which must include Frenchization courses.

It should be noted that while the selection of this category is Ottawa’s responsibility, Quebec is responsible for reviewing and following up on commitment requests.

These new reforms reflect the Quebec government’s clear desire to tighten French proficiency criteria for new immigrants, while providing new opportunities for foreign workers and students wishing to settle in the province.

Photo credit: immigrate.com