Quebec is implementing a new limit on the number of foreign nationals invited through the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ), capping invitations to no more than 25% from any single country.
The province’s immigration minister, Jean François Roberge, announced this policy on October 9, with it being effective from October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025.
For each immigration draw conducted during this period, no more than 25% of the invitations will be issued to applicants from the same country.
Roberge stated that the policy aims to enhance the diversity of national origins among economic immigrants settling in Quebec. He noted a noticeable decline in diversity among applicants to the Regular Skilled Worker Program in 2024.
While this new rule currently applies only to the PRTQ, the Quebec government indicated it may extend the policy to the forthcoming Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which will eventually replace the PRTQ.
The government also emphasized that this measure will not affect the proportion of invitations extended to French-speaking candidates.
The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program
Skilled immigration to Quebec follows a distinct process compared to other provinces and territories in Canada.
To begin, candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima pool. Quebec evaluates candidates based on several criteria, including:
- Age
- Education
- Language proficiency
- Work experience
- Family composition
- Job offer
- Family connections to Quebec
In the Regular Skilled Worker Program’s scoring system, candidates earn considerably more points for French proficiency compared to English.
Quebec invites the highest-ranking candidates from the pool, who are then required to apply to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) through the Mon Project Quebec portal.
If successful, candidates receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which is necessary to apply for permanent residence with the Canadian federal government.
