Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) Reopens July 2, 2026: Everything You Need to Know
June 15 2026 | Canada
Breaking News: Quebec's PEQ Returns
Quebec’s immigration ministry has confirmed that the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) — one of Canada’s most accessible permanent residence pathways for international graduates and foreign workers — will reopen on July 2, 2026. The programme will remain open for a two-year period, closing again on July 2, 2028.
This is significant news for thousands of international students and skilled workers in Quebec who had been left in limbo when the PEQ was suspended in November 2025. If you or someone you know was eligible for the PEQ at the time it closed, read on — a critical window of opportunity is now open
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What is the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)?
The Programme de l’expérience québécoise — known as the PEQ — is a Quebec-administered permanent residence pathway designed to fast-track the immigration of individuals who have already established themselves in the province. Unlike federal pathways such as Express Entry, the PEQ is managed entirely by the Quebec government, which issues a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) to successful applicants before they proceed to federal processing.
The PEQ has historically been one of the fastest and most streamlined routes to Canadian permanent residence, with minimal French language requirements compared to other Quebec programmes and no points-based ranking system. It operates through two streams:
- International Graduate Stream — For international students who have completed a post-secondary programme at a Quebec educational institution and have a job offer or recent work experience in Quebec.
- Foreign Worker Stream — For temporary foreign workers in Quebec who meet language and work experience requirements under the programme.
Why Was the PEQ Closed in the First Place?
The PEQ was closed on November 19, 2025 as part of broader adjustments to Quebec’s immigration intake levels, reflecting the province’s desire to manage population growth and integration capacity. Both the graduate and worker streams were suspended simultaneously, leaving many eligible candidates without a clear pathway to permanent residence in Quebec.
The reopening of the PEQ had been announced in principle in May 2026, but no start date was given at that time. The June 10, 2026 press release from Quebec’s immigration ministry confirmed July 2, 2026 as the official relaunch date — a development that Simard & Associates has been monitoring closely on behalf of our clients.
How Will the Reopening Work? A Two-Phase Approach
The PEQ will reopen in two distinct phases. Understanding which phase applies to you is essential for planning your application timeline:
|
Phase |
Timeline |
Key Details |
|
Phase 1 |
July 2 – Oct 31, 2026 |
Open to those eligible at the time of PEQ closure (Nov 19, 2025). Both streams included. No application cap. |
|
Phase 2 |
November 2026 – July 2, 2028 |
Details to be announced by Quebec immigration ministry. Open to broader PEQ-eligible pool. |
|
PEQ Sunset |
After July 2, 2028 |
PEQ to be permanently closed. All PR selection to be handled through the PSTQ (Skilled Worker Selection Program). |
Phase 1: Priority Access for Previously Eligible Candidates (July 2 – October 31, 2026)
The first phase is specifically designed for foreign nationals who were eligible for the PEQ at the time of its closure on November 19, 2025. This means if you had met the eligibility requirements under either the international graduate stream or the foreign worker stream before the programme was suspended, Phase 1 is intended for you.
Critically, eligibility criteria will remain exactly the same as they were at the time of the PEQ’s suspension — Quebec has not introduced new or more stringent requirements for Phase 1 applicants. Additionally, there will be no cap on the number of applications accepted during Phase 1, meaning the process will be purely based on eligibility rather than a competitive intake or lottery system.
Applications for Phase 1 open at 8:30 AM Eastern Time on July 2, 2026, and will be accepted through to October 31, 2026.
Impact on the PSTQ (Skilled Worker Selection Program)
To manage total intake levels, Quebec has announced that it will significantly scale back on invitations issued through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) between now and October 31. During this period, the PSTQ will focus primarily on two groups: candidates working in TEER 4 or 5 occupations, and candidates who have not yet accumulated two years of work experience. Candidates in other categories who were relying on PSTQ invitations may wish to review their options in light of this shift.
Who Should Act Now?
Phase 1 of the PEQ reopening is time-sensitive. If any of the following describes your situation, we strongly encourage you to begin preparing your application immediately:
- You were an international student who graduated from a Quebec educational institution and were eligible for the PEQ graduate stream before November 19, 2025.
- You were a temporary foreign worker in Quebec with the required language proficiency and work experience, and you met PEQ worker stream criteria before November 19, 2025.
- You are currently in Canada on a work or study permit and your status allows you to remain while your PR application is processed.
- You had begun preparing a PEQ application prior to the programme’s closure and have documentation ready or partially prepared.
What Happens After the PEQ? The Road to PSTQ
It is important to understand that Quebec has framed this reopening as a temporary measure. The province has indicated its intention to ultimately sunset the PEQ programme and consolidate all permanent residence selection through the PSTQ (Skilled Worker Selection Program) going forward. The PEQ, as it exists today, will not be a permanent feature of Quebec’s immigration landscape beyond July 2, 2028.
This makes the current two-year window particularly valuable — it may represent the final opportunity for many internationally-trained graduates and workers to use the PEQ pathway to achieve Canadian permanent residence.
Why you should choose Simard & Associates as your Immigration Lawyer?
Global mobility decisions deserve thoughtful analysis. If you’d like to explore your options further, our team can provide structured, expert guidance based on current policy and your long‑term objectives.
At Simard & Associates, we bring expertise, dedication, and a personalized approach to every immigration case. With a proven track record of success, we guide you through the complexities of immigration law with confidence and care. Our team is committed to providing tailored solutions, ensuring your application process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re pursuing residency, citizenship, or visas, Simard & Associates is your trusted partner for achieving your immigration goals.
For more details & questions, Kindly contact us and one of our Immigration Consultant & Immigration Lawyers will respond to you.
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Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.
