Quebec Plans to cut programmes for immigration in 2026.

Quebec has put out a new Immigration Levels Plan that says the state wants to get 45,000 new permanent residents by 2026. Between 43,000 and 47,000 new permanent residents are called for in the plan, which was shown on November 6. These are not as many people as were planned to come to the country in 2025—48,500 to 51,500. This change shows that the province is still trying to figure out how to change how many immigrants it lets in based on the job market, population growth, and how well people can fit in.

About 64% of all people who move to the province will do so for economic reasons. This will continue to be the main source of permanent residents. Skilled workers are in the economic group. The province wants to let in between 27,050 and 29,500 skilled workers next year. There will be between 9,600 and 10,400 new arrivals because of family reunification. Between 5,500 and 6,000 new arrivals will be refugees and other people in similar situations. 400 to 500 new residents will come from "other immigrants," a smaller group. It's important to note that up to 54% of permanent residents who are admitted in 2026 are likely to already be living in Quebec temporarily. This shows that the province wants to keep smart workers who know about the culture and economy of the area.

What is the goal for the temporary residents in Quebec?

For the first time, Quebec's Levels Plan now includes goals for people who are only there temporarily. This province wants to have up to 124,200 temporary foreign workers and international students come to live and work in 2026. This number has people on it who want to get longer permits. It is possible that there will be up to 55,700 temporary foreign workers and 68,500 international students. A minimum amount of 44,500 has been set for international students and 40,400 for temporary foreign workers who want to get in. Only 48% of the temporary foreign workers will be farm workers. The other 52% will work in jobs that have nothing to do with farming.

Quebec is also working hard to bring people together based on their language. It is planned that about 76% of the new permanent residents will be able to speak French well. This shows that the province has always wanted to keep the French language alive and encourage its newcomers to use it.

What is the goal for permanent residents in Quebec?

After earlier this year's consultations, the provincial government came up with three possible total numbers of permanent residents: 25,000, 35,000, and 45,000. These are the new immigration goals. Fourteen thousand is the final goal, which is the same number of people who answered the surveys the most. It is also part of the government's bigger plan to make sure that economic needs are met while also letting people become part of society.

The new levels in Quebec show that the province is still giving priority to people who are coming to the province for work or school and are only there temporarily. The drops from the goals for 2025 are big, but the province wants to keep a steady flow of talented people coming in to help the economy grow and meet humanitarian and family reunification needs. In other words, the 2026 Immigration Levels Plan is more focused and strategic. It tries to balance Quebec's economic and demographic goals with the realities of integrating newcomers and managing resources.