Quebec government plans to halve foreign workers and cut international student intake

After winning the October 5 election, the Parti Québécois government in Quebec announced a suite of immigration reforms aimed at tightening the province’s intake of temporary and permanent residents. The proposals call for cutting the total number of non-permanent residents—from more than half a million to a range of 250,000-300,000—by halving temporary foreign worker permits to about 40,000 and reducing international student admissions to roughly 50,000.

Permanent immigration would be capped at approximately 35,000 annually, with a proposed pause on economic immigration directly from abroad, favoring candidates already residing in Quebec. French language ability would become a central selection criterion, though exact proficiency thresholds have not been defined. The changes would be formalized in the upcoming annual immigration plan, slated for release after the National Assembly resumes in November, and would affect employers, educational institutions, and prospective migrants, including those from India. Legal experts note that some elements echo existing trends, but the overall tightening marks a significant shift in Quebec’s immigration policy.