Quebec PEQ Reopens July 2, 2026: Priority for Applicants Eligible Before November 2025 Closure

Quebec PEQ Reopening: Key Changes and Timeline

Quebec’s Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) will officially reopen on July 2, 2026, at 8:30 AM, marking the return of one of the province’s most popular pathways to permanent residence for French-speaking temporary residents. The program will operate in periodic intakes until July 2028, when it will close permanently. The first intake period runs from July 2 to October 31, 2026, and—critically—will only accept applications from candidates who were eligible for PEQ when it was abolished on November 19, 2025.

Immigration Minister François Bonnardel announced the details on June 10, 2026, providing long-awaited clarity for thousands of international graduates and temporary foreign workers who had planned their immigration journeys around PEQ. The program’s closure in November 2025 left many in limbo, particularly those whose work permits were expiring or who did not qualify for Quebec’s other immigration pathways, such as the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ).

Unlike the pre-2025 PEQ, which operated on a continuous basis, the revived program will use a batch intake system. After the first intake (July 2–October 31, 2026), Quebec will pause to assess application volumes before announcing details for subsequent intakes. This means eligible candidates should apply as early as possible, as future intakes may introduce new restrictions or eligibility changes.

Who Qualifies for the Reopened PEQ?

The reopened PEQ will accept applications under two streams: the Workers Stream and the Graduate Stream. However, eligibility is now strictly limited to candidates who met the program’s requirements as of November 19, 2025, when the program was abolished. This means:

Workers Stream

• Must have at least 24 months of eligible Quebec work experience within the three years preceding November 19, 2025.
• Work experience must be in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) and obtained while holding a valid work permit.
• Self-employed work or work performed without a valid permit does not count.
• Applicants must demonstrate advanced-intermediate French proficiency (NCLC 7 or higher).

Graduate Stream

• Must have obtained an eligible diploma from a Quebec institution by November 19, 2025.
• Eligible programs include DEC (Diplôme d’études collégiales), Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees from recognized Quebec institutions.
• Diplomas must be in a PEQ-eligible field of study (e.g., STEM, healthcare, education).
• Applicants must demonstrate advanced-intermediate French proficiency (NCLC 7 or higher).

Important Note: The PEQ’s French-language requirement remains unchanged. Applicants must prove their proficiency through one of the following:

• A recognized French-language test (e.g., TEF, TCF, DELF, DALF) with a minimum score of NCLC 7.
• A transcript showing completion of at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies in French.
• A license to practice from a professional order in Quebec (e.g., Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec).

Who Is Most Affected?

The PEQ reopening provides a critical lifeline for several groups of temporary residents in Quebec:

1. International Graduates with Expired Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs)

Many international graduates who completed their studies in Quebec between 2022 and 2024 relied on the PEQ as their primary pathway to permanent residence. When the program closed in November 2025, thousands found themselves in a precarious position, especially if their PGWPs had expired or were nearing expiry. The reopening allows these graduates to reactivate their immigration plans, provided they obtained their diploma by November 19, 2025, and meet the French-language requirement.

Key Caveat: Graduates who completed their studies after November 19, 2025, are not eligible for the first intake. They will need to wait for future intakes (if any) or explore alternative pathways, such as the PSTQ or federal programs like Express Entry.

2. Temporary Foreign Workers with 24 Months of Quebec Experience

Workers who accumulated 24 months of eligible Quebec work experience by November 19, 2025 but were unable to apply before the program’s closure can now submit their applications. This includes workers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and skilled trades. However, those who reached the 24-month threshold after November 19, 2025, are ineligible for the first intake.

Practical Implication: Workers who were close to the 24-month threshold in November 2025 but fell short by a few months may need to explore other options, such as the PSTQ or a federal work permit extension, while awaiting potential future PEQ intakes.

3. Applicants with Pending or Rejected Applications

Some candidates had submitted PEQ applications before the November 2025 closure but were still awaiting processing when the program was abolished. The Quebec government has not clarified whether these applicants will be grandfathered into the reopened program or if they will need to reapply. Given the lack of official guidance, affected candidates should prepare to submit a new application during the first intake period to avoid missing the opportunity.

4. French-Speaking Candidates Outside Quebec

The PEQ is unique among Canadian immigration programs in that it does not require applicants to reside in Quebec at the time of application—only that they have eligible work or study experience in the province. This means French-speaking temporary residents who have since moved to other provinces (e.g., for work or family reasons) may still qualify, provided they meet the eligibility criteria as of November 19, 2025.

Historical Context: The PEQ was introduced in 2010 as a fast-track pathway for temporary residents already integrated into Quebec’s labor market and society. Its closure in 2025 was part of a broader effort by the Quebec government to reduce temporary immigration levels and shift focus to the PSTQ. However, the program’s popularity—particularly among employers and post-secondary institutions—led to its revival in 2026, albeit in a more restrictive form.

Your Action Plan: Steps to Take Now

If you believe you qualify for the reopened PEQ, follow these steps to maximize your chances of success:

1. Confirm Your Eligibility: Review the official PEQ eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the requirements for either the Workers Stream or Graduate Stream as of November 19, 2025. Pay close attention to the work experience and diploma requirements.
2. Gather Your Documents: Prepare all required supporting documents, including:
   • Proof of work experience (e.g., employment letters, pay stubs, T4 slips).
   • Proof of education (e.g., diploma, transcript, attestation of completion).
   • Proof of French-language proficiency (e.g., language test results, transcripts).
   • Valid passport and work/study permits.
   • Proof of Quebec residency (e.g., lease agreements, utility bills).
3. Book a French-Language Test (If Needed): If you do not already have valid French-language test results, book a test immediately. Popular options include the TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Test slots can fill up quickly, so do not delay.
4. Monitor the Official PEQ Portal: The Quebec government will begin accepting applications at 8:30 AM on July 2, 2026. Bookmark the official immigration portal and check for updates regularly. Set a reminder to submit your application as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues.
5. Consider Professional Help: Given the program’s temporary nature and the potential for future changes, consider consulting a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or an immigration lawyer with experience in Quebec immigration. They can help ensure your application is complete and meets all requirements. Avoid unlicensed consultants.
6. Prepare for Processing Delays: While the first intake has no application cap, processing times may be lengthy. Many applications submitted in 2026 are unlikely to receive a decision until 2027. Ensure your work permit or status in Canada remains valid while you await a decision.
7. Explore Backup Options: Given the uncertainty surrounding future PEQ intakes and the program’s permanent closure in 2028, eligible candidates should also explore alternative pathways to permanent residence, such as:
   • The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ).
   • Federal programs like Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Worker Program).
   • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in other provinces, if you are open to relocating.

Frequently Asked Questions