New Quebec Immigration Regulations: A Francophone Turn

In June 2023, Quebec published a draft amendment to the Immigration Regulations that highlights a major shift in its immigration policy. The provincial government is now emphasizing the francization of its immigrants, as part of its immigration strategy for the years 2024-2027. This approach is evident in the various immigration programs offered by the province.

Modified Immigration Programs

Qualified Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

Remplaçant le Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés (PRTQ), le PSTQ se divise en quatre volets, visant à sélectionner les immigrants qui parlent français et possèdent des compétences spécifiques correspondant aux besoins du marché du travail québécois.

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

The PEQ is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly for Quebec graduates. Applicants no longer need to prove work experience. Graduates who did not attend a French-language institution can now prove their knowledge of French if they have successfully completed three years of secondary or post-secondary studies in French.

Programs for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self-employed Workers

Candidates for these programs will now be required to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in French. This is a significant change which, according to the government, should encourage innovation and the creation of new businesses in Quebec.

Family reunification

Family reunification is also subject to new requirements, with the introduction of a reception and integration plan that sponsors must submit. Guarantors must also undertake to support the learning of French by sponsored persons.

Summary of Major Changes to Quebec Immigration Regulations

Here is a detailed list of changes to the Quebec Immigration Regulations:

1. Introduction of the Qualified Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) : Replacing the Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés (PRTQ), the PSTQ is divided into four sections to select candidates with a command of French and skills matching the needs of the job market.
2. Modification of the Programme de l'Expérience Québécoise (PEQ) : Work experience is no longer required for candidates in the Quebec Graduates stream. Non-French-speaking graduates can prove their knowledge of French if they have successfully completed three years of secondary or post-secondary education in French.
3. Changes for investors, entrepreneurs and the self-employed: Candidates for these programs will need to demonstrate a certain knowledge of French.
4. Requirements for family reunification : Guarantors must now submit a reception and integration plan, and undertake to support the sponsored persons' learning of French.
5. New language requirements : All applicants for economic immigration, whether permanent or temporary, must demonstrate a higher level of French proficiency to be admitted.
6. French level for PSTQ : Candidates in Volet 1 of the PSTQ, as well as those in Volet 3 with an occupation in category FÉER 0,1 or 2, must demonstrate an oral French level of 7. All other candidates must have a level 5, except those in Volet 4 "Talents d'exception".

These changes represent an important step towards immigrant integration in Quebec society, particularly with regard to the use of the French language.

Conclusion and our opinion

It is undeniable that these changes are a challenge for future immigrantsparticularly for those who don't speak French. Nevertheless, these changes are designed to facilitate the integration of immigrants into Quebec society, by ensuring a better match between immigrants' skills and the needs of the job market.

The introduction of these new language requirements could dissuade some potential candidates from immigrating. However, it is essential to note that mastery of the French language is crucial to full integration and success in a predominantly French-speaking province like Quebec.

With this revision of its Immigration Regulations, Quebec is clearly focusing on the francization of its immigrants. This strategy is both a challenge and an opportunity for future immigrants. However, it represents a step forward towards better integration of immigrants into Quebec society. It is essential for all prospective immigrants to be prepared for these challenges. changes and engage in learning Frenchwhich is becoming a central element of the Quebec immigration experience.