Quebec 2023 Immigration Plan Released
The 2023 Immigration Plan for Quebec has just been released. Overall admission targets are similar to 2022 targets for all categories.
2023 Quebec Immigration Plan
The Quebec Immigration Plan for 2023 was released last week by the province. It shows that the province could admit up to 52,500 new permanent residents in 2023, which is the same target as 2022.
Most new admissions to Quebec will come through Quebec’s economic immigration programs such as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program and the Quebec Experience Program. These economic programs have a maximum target of 33,900 newcomers which is over 65% of planned admissions. The province aims to welcome a maximum 29,500 skilled workers, a slight increase from 2022’s target of 28,800. The province also expects to welcome up to 4,300 business immigrants which includes entrepreneurs and investors.
Family reunification expects to welcome up to 10,600 new permanent residents in 2023. The remaining newcomers are expected to arrive as refugees or through other immigration programs.
Each year Quebec releases the immigration plan for the upcoming year. It outlines the number and category of new permanent residents the province plans to welcome in the following year. Typically each plan is only for the coming year, however it is expected in 2023 that a multi-year plan will be created.
Francophone Immigration a Crucial Aspect
French speaking immigrants remain a focus point for Quebec immigration in the 2023 immigration plan. The 2022 plan issued under the current premier François Legault, aimed to gradually increase the number of newcomers after previously decreasing admission targets in 2019.
One of the main concerns of the CAQ Party is to preserve and protect the French language in Quebec. One of the ways they hope to achieve this is by choosing immigrants who already speak French. The Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration expects that 79% of economic immigrants in 2023 will have French knowledge, and aims for up to 66% of immigrants across all categories.
Francophone Immigration Throughout Canada
In recent years, the Canadian government has been stepping up its efforts to attract French-speaking immigrants to communities across Canada. To encourage continued francophone immigration growth, the government has set a target of 4.4 percent of francophone immigrants settling outside Quebec by 2023.
The push for increased francophone immigration is largely due to declining French-speaking populations across Canada. According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of Canadians who speak predominantly French at home fell to 19.2 percent in 2021 from 20 percent in 2016. In fact, the proportion of French speakers has declined in nearly all areas of Canada, including Quebec.
If you speak French, now might be the best time for you to consider immigrating to Canada. Depending on your profile and experience, you could benefit from immigration incentives targeted at French speakers to make your move to Canada possible.
Best Ways for French Speakers to Immigrate to Canada
Depending on your goals there are many ways to immigrate to Canada as a French speaker.
If you want to study, there are dozens of reputable institutions across Canada that provide quality French or bilingual education and programs to suit your needs. Studying in Canada also tends to be more affordable compared to other popular destinations such as the United States.
Receiving a work permit, on the other hand, will allow you to come to Canada specifically to work. Due to an increased labour shortage, many companies are turning to immigration to meet labour demands. Having French proficiency could give applicants a leg up on the competition to land their ideal role.
Once in Canada, if you decide you’d like to make your stay more permanent, you can begin to explore permanent options such as Canadian permanent residency. However, if you are already sure that you would like to make your immigration permanent, you can apply directly for permanent residence through Express Entry from your home country.
Interested in immigrating to Quebec or any other province in Canada? Complete our free online assessment today to learn more!
Free AssessmentDiscover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!