The Quebec government says it will pause two immigration programs that act as pathways to citizenship in an effort to “better regulate” the number of new arrivals to the province.
The province will be freezing the use of the Regular Skilled Worker Program, which is aimed at people wanting to immigrate to Quebec as a skilled worker, and the Quebec Experience Program, used by international students to fast-track their citizenship.
The two programs lead to Quebec Selection Certificates, which allow immigrants to apply for permanent Canadian residency. The programs will be suspended starting on Oct. 31 until June 30, 2025.
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge said in a social media post on Oct. 30 that the changes are being made to limit the number of permanent immigrants admitted in 2025. “Our objective is clear: we want to equip ourselves with the necessary means to better regulate immigration in Quebec,” he said….