Canada’s immigration framework involves shared responsibilities between the federal government and provinces or territories. The federal government manages overall immigration targets, visa issuance, and permanent and temporary resident programs. Provincial and territorial governments collaborate with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address regional labour needs, economic growth, and newcomer integration.
Quebec operates under a special agreement known as the Canada–Quebec Accord, effective since 1991. This accord allows Quebec to set its own immigration levels and criteria for selecting economic immigrants, assess financial requirements for family sponsorship, and independently manage refugee selection and settlement services, while receiving federal funding support. The federal government retains jurisdiction over specific permanent resident categories, temporary resident streams, admissibility decisions, and overall admission levels accounting for Quebec’s targets.
The province faces labour shortages in sectors such as health care, construction, and manufacturing. Quebec’s immigration programs, including the Quebec Experience Program and Skilled Worker Selection Program, are fully controlled by the province. Additionally, Quebec consents to temporary foreign workers requiring labour market impact assessments before admission.
Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan emphasizes labour market needs, economic sector support, and community integration. This plan aims to stabilize permanent resident admissions while reducing temporary resident arrivals, developed through consultations with provinces, territories, and stakeholders. Ongoing cooperation between Canada and Quebec aims to sustain an immigration system that supports growth and newcomer integration across the country and province.
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