Immigration Announcement
Quebec’s Record-breaking Rise of 528,034 Temporary Residents in Q4 2023
In an exciting revelation, the picturesque province of Quebec has witnessed a surprising surge in temporary residents, in the final quarter of 2023. Statistics Canada reports a remarkable 42.3% increase, soaring to a record-breaking 528,034 temporary residents, signifying a substantial shift in immigration dynamics within the province.
Quebec’s Stand on Immigration
Despite Quebec Premier François Legault’s commitment to maintaining a steady immigration threshold of around 50,000 newcomers annually, this surge raises questions about the province’s evolving landscape. The emphasis on preserving the French language and Quebecois culture is evident, but the surge in temporary residents hints at a more complex narrative.
Temporary Residents Surge: Asylum, Skills, and Study on the Rise
A surge of 160,651 asylum claimants in Q4 2023, depicting a striking 51.3% increase from the previous year.
- Temporary residents with Canada work permits experienced a remarkable surge of 60.9%, soaring to 225,684, highlighting the escalating demand for skilled labor in the province.
- The international students in Canada significantly contribute to the surge, with the number of study permit holders rising from 64,918 to 72,620.
- Notably, the cohort holding both study and work permits witnessed a substantial 33.9% increase, climbing from 33,862 to 45,341.
The spike in temporary residents lays the groundwork for an intriguing future. Will Quebec witness a subsequent surge in permanent residents, or will these temporary residents seek permanent residence elsewhere in Canada? The dynamics are poised for change, and employers, universities, and colleges need to adapt to the evolving scenario.
Quebec’s New Online Validation System for Streamlined Immigration
Recognizing the need for efficiency, Quebec immigration introduced a new online job offer validation system under the Quebec Skilled Worker program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The system, effective from January 11, promises increased speed and flexibility for employers, allowing them to actively recruit foreign workers while awaiting the LMIA processing. This new online process eliminates the need for employers to identify specific employees while submitting an LMIA, streamlining their recruitment efforts.
Quebec Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette assures employers that the platform is secure and offers a seamless experience for submitting requests, paying fees, and monitoring application progress.
Applicants navigating this new process need to provide essential documentation, including photographs and fingerprints. Various fees come into play, encompassing processing fees, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), biometrics, and potential third-party fees for medical exams, police certificates, or educational credential assessments.
Quebec’s Immigration in 2024
Quebec’s record-breaking rise in temporary residents marks a pivotal moment in the province’s immigration history. As we decode the implications for permanent residency and witness Quebec’s proactive measures, the latest development provided insights into the evolving dynamics of immigration.
