Quebec has announced a new policy capping invitations for skilled workers from any single country at 25 percent, effective October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025.
Quebec Immigration Minister Jean-Francois Roberge stated that the policy aims to diversify the province’s immigration sources while preserving its cultural and linguistic heritage, especially its Francophone identity.
The cap applies specifically to the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ), a key pathway in Quebec’s immigration system. The PRTQ uses a points-based selection method, assessing candidates based on skills, education, work experience, and language proficiency, with a strong emphasis on French.
Applicants express their interest through Quebec’s Arrima pool, and the top-ranking candidates are invited to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which is necessary for permanent residency applications at the federal level.
The Quebec government has indicated that this cap may extend to the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP), which will replace the PRTQ in late 2024. Officials noted that this measure is part of a broader strategy to maintain the province’s unique cultural landscape and prevent any nationality from dominating immigration inflows.
However, the policy may pose challenges for industries that rely on foreign-trained professionals, as it could limit the labor pool in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and information technology. Skilled workers from high-demand countries such as India, France, and Algeria may now face additional competition, potentially deterring some applicants from these nations.
While the cap seeks to promote cultural diversity, critics warn it could impact Quebec’s workforce composition, influencing future immigrants’ demographics and skill sets.
The post New Quebec Policy Caps Skilled Worker Invitations, Emphasizes Diversity in Immigration appeared first on CI News | Latest Canada Immigration News.
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