Quebec published its immigration plan for 2023 on 8 December. According to this program, it is estimated that up to 52,500 permanent residents could be admitted to the province in 2023.
At the provincial level, programs like the QEP – (Quebec Experience Program) and the QSWP – (Quebec Skilled Worker Program) will regulate a significant portion of new admissions.
Quebec Immigration Planning 2020–2022, which was held in the summer of 2019, included goals to be met in the updated strategy.
Newcomers in the economic group make up more than 65% of the anticipated admissions, with a maximum objective of 33,900. Investors, business owners, and independent contractors, as well as 29,500 qualified employees, are anticipated to move to the province.
Other immigrants, such as refugees, families reunited with their children, and other groups, are expected to complete the 18100 new permanent residents.
In each year’s immigration strategy, the Quebec Immigration Department presents its plans. According to the document, the province plans to accept a number of new permanent residents, according to the categories in which they will be admitted. Goals for the upcoming year have only been made public so far. Following the consultation in 2023, a multi-year plan will be drawn up in 2024. After which a multi-year plan will be drawn up.
Focus on immigrants who speak French
With a solid majority, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) won its second term as the country’s ruling party earlier this year. It means the 2023 plan is reasonably similar to 2022 one.
Under the direction of current premier François Legault, the 2022 plan aimed to gradually raise admission targets after lowering them in 2019. To enhance the selection and francization of newcomers to Quebec, the CAQ implemented a 20% cut-off that year.
The CAQ party focuses on preserving the French language in Quebec as one of its fundamental tenets. And the new strategy emphasizes selecting immigrants with fluency in French as well. The Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration anticipates 79% of economic immigrants and 66% of immigrants, in general, to speak French fluently by 2023.
During this year’s provincial election, immigration was heavily discussed. During his campaign, Legault pledged that while he was in office. He would limit immigration to Quebec to 50,000 people per year. Due to the difficulty of integrating new immigrants into Quebec society. Especially those who must acquire French, he claims that Quebec can accommodate no more than this number of immigrants.
Quebec has a unique immigration plan
Canada’s only province that publishes a strategy for immigration is Quebec. In addition, economic immigration admissions are entirely under its control in this province.
In 1968, Quebec established its own immigration ministry, which has given it greater control over immigration policies. Despite receiving the authority to set its own admission targets in 1991, the Quebec-Canada Accord allowed the province to continue lobbying for more immigration control over 20 years later.
No matter what the category of immigration is, IRCC has the final say on all admissions, regardless of the federal or provincial governments. A skilled worker’s admission is determined by Quebec.
Ways to migrate to Quebec
Any applicant for immigration to Quebec must be approved by both the federal and provincial governments. The province offers several immigration programs to which candidates can directly apply. The rules and procedures that govern the selection of skilled immigrants in Quebec are unique to the province.
A Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) will be awarded to candidates who meet program requirements and are chosen by Québec. The document is being issued by the Ministry of Immigration, French, and Integration of Quebec.
A candidate must apply to IRCC and pass a criminal background and security check to gain permanent residency.
