As if there weren’t already enough closed doors, an unexpected one has slammed shut—Quebec!
The Quebec government has frozen one of its key immigration programs to "manage immigration pressure" (quoting directly).
What was announced:
- The Program for Graduates (PEQ) has been suspended.
- Quebec plans to revise the number of immigrants, including temporary immigrants.
It’s worth noting that this program accounts for a significant share of immigration to Quebec.
The suspension affects students and graduates of educational institutions. In 2023 alone, more than 25,000 skilled workers and 5,700 applicants were accepted through PEQ (graduates and workers with Quebec experience).
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge explained the decision by stating that the increase in applications exceeds the region’s capacity to accommodate immigrants. This is despite the fact that just a few months ago, they said otherwise.
As justification for these actions, Quebec claims that this measure provides the government with "room to maneuver" in developing new immigration strategies for 2026 and beyond.
Additionally, for the first time, the government will include temporary immigrants in long-term planning (students and workers). Quebec aims to reduce the immigration of temporary workers, including students, whose numbers have risen sharply in recent years.
In my personal opinion, this is very bad for all students in Quebec. But it will hit graduates particularly hard, as they have a limited time to apply after receiving their diploma.
Let’s hope this is just political posturing ahead of elections…
