A Canadian university launches an institute to study migration which will help improve outcomes for newcomers.

Concordia University is a Montreal-based university that has created IRMS, i.e., the Institute For Research on Migration and Society. IRMS provides evidence-based research on migration and offers a space for discussions to help newcomers adjust to life in Canada. 

The institute launched with a core team of ten faculty members, in addition to Mireille Paquet, the director of IRMS. 

Why Is IRMS Required? 

One IRMS coordinator stated that most academic discussions on immigration in Quebec take place in French. As a bilingual research hub, IRMS is uniquely positioned to make a difference. 

He further stated that there is a hope that this institute can also look at issues such as the emigration of newcomers in Quebec to other provinces and bridge politics across provinces and with the government of Canada. 

What Will IRMS Do? 

A Canadian university launches an institute to study migration. Since its launch, IRMS has been collaborating on projects connected to the government and academia. Current projects include the following: 

Migrant Integration In The Mid-21st Century: Bridging Divides 

IRMS is contributing to the citizenship and participation stream of the project, looking at making immigration more socially sustainable and exploring the implementation of digital technologies. 

Réseau de recherche sur l’immigration, l’intégration et les relations interculturelles au Québec (RQ3I)

IRMS will be collaborating with researchers from other Quebec universities, namely Université de Montréal and Université Laval, on this project, which received funding of $1.2 million. Once launched, it will be Quebec’s first dedicated research network focused on immigration and integration. 

Canada’s Changing Immigration Landscape (CCIL) 

IRMS is collaborating with the Center of Excellence of the Canadian Federation at the Institute for Research on Public Policy and the Center for Migration Studies at the University of British Columbia to provide more information to policymakers, the media, and Canadians. 

Quebec and Immigration 

A Canadian university launches an institute to study migration which will help improve outcomes for newcomers. 

Well, Quebec is unique among Canadian provinces because of the control it exerts over its yearly intake levels of skilled workers and immigrants. 

Earlier this year, the province declared that it would be temporarily pausing two of its most popular PR pathways. 

Starting October 31, Quebec stopped accepting applications for the Quebec Experience Program – Quebec Graduates and stopped issuing invitations to applicants for the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ). 

These suspensions are set to remain in effect until June 30, 2025. 

Earlier this year, a new cap was introduced to Quebec’s immigration system. This limited the number of admissions under the PRTQ to a maximum of 25% from any single country. 

Foreign skilled workers looking to gain Canadian PR can also look at other pathways or federal government pilot programs that are geared toward French speakers.  

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].