Quebec Confirms Temporary Return Of PEQ Program

Quebec will reopen the Quebec Experience Program on July 2, 2026, giving some foreign workers and international graduates another chance to apply through one of the province’s best-known permanent residence pathways.

The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration confirmed the date in a June 10 press release. The program, widely known as the PEQ, is scheduled to stay open for two years, ending on July 2, 2028.

First Phase Targets Previously Eligible Applicants

The reopening will begin in two stages. The first stage will run from July 2 to October 31, 2026. It will focus on foreign nationals who were already eligible for the PEQ when the program was closed on November 19, 2025.

This group includes people who qualified under either of the program’s two streams: the international graduate stream and the foreign worker stream. Quebec says it aims to issue a similar number of Quebec Selection Certificates, or CSQs, through each stream during this first phase.

Rules Remain The Same

The eligibility rules will not change for applicants in the first phase. Quebec will use the same criteria that were in place when the graduate stream was suspended and the worker stream was closed.

Applications will open on July 2 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. The province has also confirmed that there will be no cap on applications during this first phase, meaning eligible applicants can submit during the full intake period until October 31. This gives eligible applicants nearly four months to prepare and submit their files.

PSTQ Invitations To Slow Down

While the PEQ reopens, Quebec will reduce the number of invitations issued through the Skilled Worker Selection Program, known as the PSTQ, until October 31.

During that period, the province will mainly target PSTQ candidates working in TEER 4 or TEER 5 jobs. It will also focus on candidates who have not yet gained two years of work experience.

A Temporary Return Before Final Closure

Quebec’s immigration ministry has described the PEQ reopening as a temporary measure. The province has said it plans to eventually phase out the PEQ and move all permanent residence selection to the PSTQ.

The reopening was first announced in May, but the government did not provide a launch date at that time. The June 10 announcement now gives applicants a clear timeline, along with details on who will be considered first.

For eligible graduates and workers who missed their chance before the program closed, the July reopening could be an important window. However, the province’s long-term plan shows that the PEQ may not remain part of Quebec’s immigration system after this two-year period.