Quebec’s immigration plan for 2023 was released on December 8, 2022. The plan depicts the probability of Quebec receiving at least 52,500 new permanent residents in 2023. Moreover, this target is similar to the immigration plan for 2022.
Expectedly, Quebec will invite most new immigrants through the economic immigration program, such as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program and the Quebec Experience Program.
This new plan reflects the earlier immigration targets of the Public Consultation in 2019. This is a part of Quebec Immigration Planning during 2020-2022.
Interestingly, the economic category represents the greatest percentage of newcomers, with a maximum target of 33,900. Moreover, 65 percent were planned admissions. Furthermore, the economic category looks forward to welcoming at least 29,500 skilled workers and 4,300 business immigrants. These immigrants will comprise entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed people.
Family reunification, refugees, and other immigration programs will receive at least 18,100 new permanent residents.
The immigration department of Quebec releases its immigration plan for the province every year. The plan also creates a specific target to invite new permanent residents for the upcoming year. It also outlines the immigration categories through which they admit into Canada. However, only targets for next year have been released until now. Reportedly 2023, Quebec’s consultation will take place in 2023 for a multi-year immigration plan, which will apply from 2024.
Emphasizing Francophone immigrants
The immigration plan of Quebec aligns mainly with the earlier immigration plan of 2022. On the other hand, the CAQ became the governing party for the second time.
Francois Legault led the plan for 2022 and worked intending to increase immigrants. This was in contrast to 2019 when admission targets had been reduced. Moreover, CAQ introduced a decline of 20 percent the same year to enhance the Francization and selection of immigrants in Quebec.
CAQ works with the primary objective of protecting the status of the French language in this province. Additionally, the new plan emphasizes Francophone immigrants. According to the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration, 79 percent of economic immigrants in 2023 will speak French. Also, 66 percent of immigrants will be French speakers across all immigration categories.
Interestingly, Quebec immigration remained a debatable topic in 2022’s provincial election. Legault was permitted to admit a maximum of 50,000 new immigrants into Quebec once a year throughout the particular term. According to Legault, Quebec cannot adjust immigrants more than the above figure, specifically those who have no knowledge of the French language.
Quebec’s immigration plan and its entire system
Quebec’s immigration system is unique because it releases its immigration levels plan annually. Also, it is the only province with complete authority over economic immigration selections.
This province launched its immigration ministry in 1968; hence, it has more control over its immigration programs. However, it strived harder to gain more power over immigration for about twenty years after 1991. Later, the Quebec-Canada Accord allowed it to set its admission targets.
Although Quebec has the authority to choose skilled workers for admission, immigration continues to be a shared obligation between provincial and federal governments. Also, IRCC will take the final call for all admissions, irrespective of the immigration class.
Quebec Immigration
Aspiring immigrants seeking to move to Quebec must receive approval from the federal and provincial governments. The province selects skilled candidates through its different criteria and processes. Hence, candidates must apply directly to Quebec by considering one of the immigration programs.
Supposedly, if the candidate successfully meets the criteria and gets selected by the province, he and his family members accompanying him will also receive a Quebec Selection Certificate.
After a candidate receives a CSQ, their next step will be to apply to IRCC for permanent residence. Furthermore, they must successfully clear the compulsory medical, security, and criminal verifications.
