Quebec Halts Key Immigration Programs, Reevaluates Strategy

The province suspends applications for two major pathways to permanent residency, citing service pressures and a need to regulate newcomer arrivals.

Quebec has temporarily frozen the Regular Skilled Worker Program and the Quebec Experience Program until June 2025.
The suspension aims to manage the increasing number of immigrants and reassess the province's immigration policies.
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge announced the moratorium, emphasizing the need to better regulate immigration.
The freeze will allow Quebec to clear application backlogs and potentially adjust permanent immigration targets.
Economic sectors express concern over the impact on labor supply, with 13,000 jobs currently unfilled in manufacturing.