Quebec's immigration ministry announced on June 10, 2026, that the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), a significant pathway to permanent residency for international graduates and skilled workers, will resume accepting applications on July 2, 2026. The program had been closed since November 2025.
While the PEQ is reopening, the Quebec government intends for this to be a temporary measure, with the program slated to conclude entirely by July 2, 2028. After this date, all economic permanent residency selections are planned to be consolidated under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).
Application Phases and Deadlines
The reopening will proceed in distinct phases. The initial application window runs from July 2 to October 31, 2026. This first phase is exclusively for foreign nationals who were eligible for the PEQ at the time of its suspension on November 19, 2025. Both the international graduate stream and the foreign worker stream are included, with no cap on applications during this period.
Applications open at 8:30 AM Eastern time on July 2. New application forms will be available on Quebec's official website starting June 17, and applicants must be residing in Quebec at the time of their submission. The eligibility criteria remain consistent with those in effect before the program's suspension.
Eligibility Criteria for PEQ Streams
International Graduate Stream
- Must have obtained a qualifying Quebec post-secondary credential by November 19, 2025.
- Lived in Quebec for at least half the duration of their study program.
- Obtained the credential within the previous three years at the time of applying.
- Demonstrate French language proficiency of at least NCLC 5 in reading and writing, and NCLC 7 in speaking and listening.
Skilled Worker Stream
- Must have accumulated at least two years of skilled work experience in Quebec by November 19, 2025.
- Be employed in a qualifying job at the time of applying.
- Demonstrate French language proficiency of at least NCLC 7 in speaking and listening.
Impact on Other Immigration Programs
During the PEQ's reopening period, specifically until October 31, 2026, Quebec will adjust invitations issued through the PSTQ. The focus for PSTQ invitations will primarily shift to candidates in TEER 4 or 5 occupations and those who have not yet accumulated two years of work experience.
Due to the anticipated high volume of applications during this four-month window, Quebec has also indicated that its previous commitment to a six-month processing time for PEQ applications may be extended. From November 2026, the number of PSTQ invitations will be adjusted based on the volume of PEQ applications received in the first phase, ensuring overall permanent resident intake aligns with Quebec's 2026-2029 admissions targets. The government plans to assess first-phase application volumes before determining the structure of any subsequent PEQ intake periods.
Quebec's broader strategy is to issue an equal number of Quebec Selection Certificates across both the PSTQ and PEQ programs from June 10, 2026, until the end of its planning period in 2029, after which the PEQ will officially cease to exist.