Quebec Reopens PEQ Permanent Residence Pathway on July 2, 2026 — Eligibility and Key Dates

Quebec’s PEQ Reopens: What Changed and Who Qualifies

Quebec’s immigration ministry announced the reopening of its flagship Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) on July 2, 2026, marking a significant shift for international students and skilled workers in the province. The program, which was abruptly closed on November 19, 2025, will now accept applications for a two-year period, ending on July 2, 2028. This reopening is a temporary measure, as Quebec plans to phase out the PEQ entirely by 2028, transitioning all economic permanent residence selection to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

The PEQ will reopen in two phases. Phase 1, running from July 2 to October 31, 2026, is exclusively for foreign nationals who were eligible for the PEQ at the time of its closure in November 2025. This includes both the international graduate stream and the foreign worker stream. Applicants must be residing in Quebec at the time of application and meet the same eligibility criteria that were in place before the program’s suspension.

Unlike previous iterations, there is no cap on applications for Phase 1, but Quebec has rescinded its commitment to a six-month processing time due to anticipated high application volumes. The ministry also announced that it will scale back invitations through the PSTQ during this period, focusing primarily on candidates in TEER 4 or 5 occupations or those who have not yet acquired two years of work experience in Quebec.

Who This Affects: Eligibility Details for PEQ Applicants

The reopening of the PEQ will have a significant impact on three key groups: international students in Quebec, skilled workers in the province, and candidates in the PSTQ pool. Below is a breakdown of how each group is affected.

International Students in Quebec

To qualify under the PEQ international graduate stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have obtained a qualifying Quebec post-secondary credential as of November 19, 2025;
• Have lived in Quebec for at least half the duration of their study program;
• Have obtained their qualifying post-secondary credential within the previous three years at the time of application; and
• Demonstrate French language proficiency of at least NCLC 5 in reading and writing and NCLC 7 in speaking and listening.

This stream is particularly critical for international students who completed their studies in Quebec but were left in limbo when the PEQ was suspended in November 2025. Many of these students may have since transitioned to post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) or other temporary statuses, making the reopening of the PEQ a time-sensitive opportunity. However, students who graduated after November 19, 2025, are not eligible for Phase 1 and will need to wait for potential future phases or explore other pathways.

Skilled Workers in Quebec

For the PEQ skilled worker stream, eligibility requirements include:

• At least two years of skilled work experience in Quebec as of November 19, 2025;
• Employment in a qualifying job at the time of application; and
• French language proficiency of at least NCLC 7 in speaking and listening.

Skilled workers who meet these criteria will have a four-month window to submit their applications. However, those who gained their work experience after November 19, 2025 are ineligible for Phase 1. This creates a significant gap for workers who may have been planning to apply for the PEQ but were unable to do so before its closure. For these individuals, the PSTQ remains the primary alternative, though Quebec’s announcement indicates that PSTQ invitations will be scaled back during the PEQ’s Phase 1 period.

Candidates in the PSTQ Pool

Quebec’s decision to scale back PSTQ invitations during the PEQ’s Phase 1 period will have a direct impact on candidates in the PSTQ pool. The ministry stated that it will primarily target candidates working in TEER 4 or 5 occupations or those who have not yet acquired two years of work experience in Quebec. This shift is intended to align permanent resident intake with Quebec’s 2026–2029 admissions targets and prevent an oversupply of applications.

Candidates in higher-skilled occupations (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) may face longer wait times for PSTQ invitations during this period. Quebec has indicated that it will adjust PSTQ invitation numbers based on the volume of PEQ applications received in Phase 1, meaning that the outcome of the PEQ reopening will directly influence PSTQ processing times and selection criteria for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

Your Action Plan: Steps to Take Now

If you are eligible for the PEQ under Phase 1, here are the concrete steps you should take to prepare for the July 2, 2026, reopening:

1. Confirm your eligibility: Review the criteria for your stream (international graduate or skilled worker) to ensure you meet all requirements, including the November 19, 2025, cutoff dates for credentials or work experience. If you are unsure, consult a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
2. Gather your documents: Prepare all required documentation, including proof of French language proficiency (NCLC 5/7 or 7/7), transcripts or diplomas for international graduates, and employment letters for skilled workers. Ensure your documents are up to date and translated if necessary.
3. Monitor Quebec’s immigration website: New application forms will be available on June 17, 2026. Download and complete these forms as soon as they are released, as old forms will not be accepted. Bookmark the official page: Quebec Immigration.
4. Prepare for delays: Quebec has rescinded its six-month processing time commitment, so expect potential delays. Submit your application as early as possible during Phase 1 to minimize wait times.
5. Explore alternatives if ineligible for Phase 1: If you do not qualify for Phase 1, consider the PSTQ or other federal immigration pathways, such as Express Entry. Quebec’s announcement suggests that PSTQ invitations will be limited during Phase 1, so plan accordingly.
6. Stay informed about future phases: Quebec has not provided details on Phase 2 of the PEQ reopening. Monitor official announcements for updates on eligibility and timelines for subsequent phases.

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