Quebec Faces Education Staff Shortages as Operate Permits Expire

Quebec’s education system is bracing for potential staffing shortages as the work permits of approximately 948 teachers and support staff in key school districts are set to expire in 2026. This situation is compounded by changes to Quebec’s immigration policies and a backlog in processing permanent residency applications, leaving many educators uncertain about their future in the province.

The Impact of Permit Expirations

According to data compiled from ten of Quebec’s largest school boards – concentrated in the Montreal and Quebec City regions – at least 210 teachers and 730 support staff are affected. The number could be higher, as this data represents only a portion of the 72 school boards across Quebec. Many of these individuals wish to remain in Quebec permanently, but face obstacles in navigating the current immigration system.

From PEQ to PSTQ: A More Challenging Path to Residency

The abolition of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) has shifted the primary pathway to permanent residency for these workers to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ). Whereas the PSTQ prioritizes certain sectors, including education, the process has proven to be slow and uncertain. Despite education being a prioritized sector, not all education professionals are treated equally.

As of February 2, 2026, 221 teachers had submitted applications through the PSTQ, but only 84 had received invitations to apply for permanent residency. The Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) confirms that three times as many eligible applications remain pending. Prioritization within the PSTQ currently focuses on teachers, excluding other crucial school staff like teacher’s aides and special education technicians.

Personal Stories of Uncertainty

Imane Benchouk, a mathematics teacher from Algeria, exemplifies the challenges faced by many. After arriving in Quebec nearly four years ago, she secured a teaching position and planned to obtain permanent residency through the PEQ. With the program’s cancellation, her family is now considering leaving Quebec due to the stress and uncertainty surrounding their immigration status. “We came here to settle, to build our future, for something permanent,” Benchouk stated.

The anxiety is taking a toll on Benchouk’s health, with her doctor attributing recent illness to stress. Her husband, Riyad Boudghene Stambouli, expressed frustration with the situation, emphasizing his wife’s dedication and the disruption a move would cause for their children.

Concerns from School Boards and Associations

School boards are deeply concerned about the potential loss of qualified staff. André Bernier, president of the Quebec Association of School Principals and Directors (AQPDE), highlighted the impact on students, estimating that each departing staff member affects 25 to 30 students. Kathleen Legault, president of the Montreal Association of School Directors, emphasized that losing this personnel is “something we cannot afford,” especially given recent budgetary restrictions and the expansion of restrictions on religious symbols in schools.

Government Response

The Ministry of Immigration maintains that the PSTQ process is ongoing and that education remains a priority sector. In a written statement, the ministry encourages workers in the education sector to submit their applications through the Arrima platform. However, the government has not addressed the specific concerns regarding the backlog and the limited prioritization within the education sector.

Looking Ahead

The situation underscores the need for a streamlined and accessible immigration pathway for skilled workers in critical sectors like education. Without clear solutions, Quebec risks exacerbating its existing labor shortages and disrupting the education of its students. The uncertainty faced by these educators highlights the broader challenges of immigration and integration in the province.