Quebec imposes country cap for Regular Skilled Worker Program

author avatar
Derek Shank
Updated: Oct, 11, 2024
  • Published: October 11, 2024

Quebec is limiting the number of foreign nationals invited under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) to a maximum of 25% from any one country.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

The Quebec minister of immigration, Jean François Roberge, announced the new policy on October 9.

The policy is effective from October 9 2024 to October 9 2025.

For each draw conducted by the Quebec immigration ministry, the proportion of invitations issued to foreign nationals of any single country will not exceed 25%.

Roberge claimed that the policy is intended to promote diversity of national origin among economic immigrants settling in Quebec.

He explained that in 2024, applications for the Regular Skilled Worker Program have exhibited a marked decrease in diversity of origin.

The Quebec government noted that although the policy currently applies only to the Regular Skilled Worker Program, it may be renewed for the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which is set to replace the Regular Skilled Worker Program.

The government added that this policy is expected to have no effect on the proportion of French speakers who receive invitations.

About the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program

Skilled immigration to Quebec works differently than it does for other Canadian provinces and territories.

To immigrate to Quebec, candidates must first submit an expression of interest (EOI) in the Arrima pool.

Quebec then scores candidates based on a number of factors, including

  • age
  • education;
  • language profiency;
  • work experience;
  • language proficiency;
  • family composition;
  • job offer; and
  • family connections to Quebec.

Under the scoring grid for the Regular Skilled Worker Program, candidates are awarded significantly more points for French proficiency than they are for English.

The Quebec government issues invitations to top-ranking candidates from the pool, who then apply to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) on the Mon Project Quebec portal.

If a candidate is successful, the Quebec government issues them a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which they require in order to apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence.

 

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
How to confirm with IRCC whether your ancestor was a Canadian citizen before you apply for proof of citizenship
A man going through his family records as he prepares a citizenship by descent application.
Canada holds second-ever Express Entry draw for senior managers with Canadian work experience
More Express Entry candidates have received invitations to apply for PR.
IRCC’s proof of citizenship review: what happened, what changed, and what to do if you’re impacted
In June 2026, the Canadian government sent letters to some citizenship applicants telling their their certificates were under review
Canada invites French-speaking candidates to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry
People riding bikes along Rideau Canaal in Ottawa, Canada.
Top Stories
Canada raises wage thresholds for TFWP work permits
Citizenship by descent: When your Canadian ancestor left no paper trail, other parts of your family tree may have the evidence you need
Saskatchewan speeds up processing of provincial nominations
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Provinces
Saskatchewan speeds up processing of provincial nominations
An aerial view of the Central Business District.
Nova Scotia expands nominations to target workers with expiring permits
Novia Scotia has expanded selection of provincial nominees to target workers in the province with expiring and expired work permits.
Quebec issues invitations for permanent selection through PSTQ
Panoramic view of Mount Tremblant Park and Lake Monroe in Quebec, Canada.
Newfoundland and Labrador selects candidates for provincial immigration
A scenic view of a winding road in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Link copied to clipboard