How many foreigners is the province of Quebec ready to receive in 2023?
Most new immigrants to Quebec will be invited through economic programs. But other categories have a chance to get permanent residency in the province in 2023.
On December 8, 2022, the government of Quebec published its 2023 immigration plan. The province is ready to accept 52,500 new permanent residents. The number corresponds to the plan for 2022.
Quebec immigration goals for 2023
- The economic programs will invite 65% of immigrants, a figure of 33,900 (of which 29,500 are in the skilled worker program).
- 4,300 business immigrants: investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed.
- 18,100 immigrants through refugee programs, family sponsorship and others.
It's worth noting that the new plan aims to select immigrants who already speak French. The Ministry of Immigration expects 79% of economic immigrants to be proficient in French in 2023, as well as 66% from other categories.
The biggest problem for immigrants is the French language. It is quite difficult for foreigners to integrate into Quebec society without the language.
Quebec is the only province in Canada that publishes an annual plan for immigration levels. Anyone who wants to immigrate to the province must be approved by both the provincial and the federal government. Quebec selects qualified immigrants according to its criteria and procedures. Candidates must apply directly to the province through one of the immigration programs.
If the candidate fulfils the criteria of the program and is selected by Quebec, he/she and his/her family receive the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). After receiving the CSQ, the candidate must apply to the Ministry of Immigration for permanent residency and pass the necessary medical, security and criminal background checks.
