Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, Jean-François Roberge, tabled a far-reaching Immigration Levels Plan in the National Assembly on November 6. Starting in 2026 the province will admit 45,000 new permanent residents—down from a ceiling of 61,000 this year—and will maintain that cap through 2029. The province also set, for the first time, an overall target (124,200) for temporary foreign workers and international students.
Economic immigrants will continue to dominate, representing 64 % of admissions, but Quebec will require that fully 76 % of newcomers demonstrate intermediate French proficiency. Officials say the measure is essential to protect the French language, but universities and tech employers worry it may narrow the talent pool just as Ottawa’s temporary-resident reductions bite.
![Quebec unveils 2026-2029 plan: immigration cut to 45,000 and new French-language focus]()
Notably, the plan confirms the termination of the popular Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) on November 19. PEQ offered a fast track to permanent residence for international graduates and in-province workers; its closure will push candidates toward the revamped Quebec Skilled Worker Program, which has higher language requirements and longer processing times.
Business groups reacted cautiously. The Conseil du patronat called the 45,000 figure a “moderate” reduction compared with scenarios of 25,000 or 35,000 floated during consultations, but warned that employers in AI, life sciences and green construction already face recruitment delays. Companies should review their French-training budgets and ensure that sponsored employees enroll early in provincially recognised language courses to preserve eligibility.
For global mobility managers, the headline is clear: future transfers into Quebec will need stronger French skills and longer lead times. Multinationals may need to station non-French-speaking talent elsewhere in Canada or split project teams between Montreal and Toronto to stay compliant.
Economic immigrants will continue to dominate, representing 64 % of admissions, but Quebec will require that fully 76 % of newcomers demonstrate intermediate French proficiency. Officials say the measure is essential to protect the French language, but universities and tech employers worry it may narrow the talent pool just as Ottawa’s temporary-resident reductions bite.
Notably, the plan confirms the termination of the popular Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) on November 19. PEQ offered a fast track to permanent residence for international graduates and in-province workers; its closure will push candidates toward the revamped Quebec Skilled Worker Program, which has higher language requirements and longer processing times.
Business groups reacted cautiously. The Conseil du patronat called the 45,000 figure a “moderate” reduction compared with scenarios of 25,000 or 35,000 floated during consultations, but warned that employers in AI, life sciences and green construction already face recruitment delays. Companies should review their French-training budgets and ensure that sponsored employees enroll early in provincially recognised language courses to preserve eligibility.
For global mobility managers, the headline is clear: future transfers into Quebec will need stronger French skills and longer lead times. Multinationals may need to station non-French-speaking talent elsewhere in Canada or split project teams between Montreal and Toronto to stay compliant.
