The number of people with temporary status continues, overall, to increase in Quebec, but much slower than beforeaccording to recent data from Statistics Canada published this Tuesday. For the quarter ending in October 1, 2024, 614,677 non-permanent residents have been recorded in Quebec. This represents a modest increase from the previous quarter, which included 588,263 temporary residents.
This increase of 26,000 is however significantly lower than that observed during the first two quarters of 2024, where the increase was of 37 000 for April-June and 38 000 for January-March.
“There is clearly a slowdown in the growth of temporary immigration,” analyse Jean-Pierre Corbeilsociologist and associate professor at Laval University.
Data in figures: categories of temporary residents
The slowdown mainly affects certain categories of temporary immigrants, although others remain stable. Here is an overview of the statistics for the main groups of temporary residents in Quebec, according to October 2024 figures:
| Categories of residents | October 1, 2024 | Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| All non-permanent residents | 614 677 | +26 414 |
| Work or study permit holders and their families | 440 540 | Slowly growing |
| Asylum seekers | 174 137 | Stable |
Why this slowdown?
The slowdown is mainly attributable to a decrease in the number of work permit holdersparticularly marked in Ontario. On the other hand, Quebec does not seem to follow this trend for study or asylum permits.
Temporary immigration in 2025: growth followed by a decline?
According to forecasts, temporary immigration to Quebec should increase in 2025before a possible decrease in 2026. Sociologist Jean-Pierre Corbeil specifies that the current slowdown is not due to asylum seekersthe number of which remains stable.
“Quebec remains the province that welcomes the largest proportion of asylum seekers based on its demographic weight,” he emphasizes. Quebec welcomes 40% of asylum seekers in Canada, while its population only represents 22 % of the Canadian total.
Ontario also welcomes a significant portion of asylum seekers (48 %), but this is consistent with its demographic weight (39 %). Other provinces likeAlberta and the British Columbia welcome, for their part, fewer asylum seekers than their demographic weight.
Fewer foreign students? Not in Quebec
While Canada observes a reduction in study permitsmainly in Ontario, Quebec is an exception. After a slight decline, the number of study permits even experienced a slight growth.
Jean-Pierre Corbeil explains that Bill 74 announced by the Quebec Minister of Immigration, Jean-François Robergeaimed at reducing the number of international students, has not yet had a noticeable effect on the numbers.
Future data collection will reveal whether restrictions announced will have a measurable impact on the arrival of foreign students.
In conclusion, even if the growth of temporary residents slows in Quebec, it remains positive, with notable particularities such as the stability of asylum seekers and the resilience of study permits. However, trends could change with the implementation of the policies announced for 2025-2026.
Source: Duty
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