Quebec Reopens Major Permanent Residence Pathway for Skilled Professionals and Graduates from July 2. Apply Now!

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a permanent residence pathway for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have gained eligible work or study experience in Quebec. The program is designed to help individuals already integrated into Quebec society transition to permanent residence more quickly. Applicants must meet specific requirements related to work experience, education, French-language proficiency, and residency in Quebec. The PEQ has been one of Quebec's most popular immigration programs for economic immigrants.

Quebec has announced that the PEQ will reopen on July 2, 2026. The program is scheduled to remain open for two years, until July 2, 2028. The reopening comes after the province suspended the graduate stream and closed the worker stream in November 2025. Eligible applicants will be able to submit applications according to the phased reopening plan established by Quebec's immigration ministry.

The first phase, running from July 2 to October 31, 2026, is intended for individuals who were already eligible for the PEQ when it was suspended or closed in November 2025. This includes candidates from both the International Graduate Stream and the Foreign Worker Stream. The province aims to provide an opportunity for those affected by the suspension to complete their immigration process through the PEQ.

The PEQ consists of two primary streams: the International Graduate Stream and the Foreign Worker Stream. The graduate stream is for individuals who completed eligible studies in Quebec, while the worker stream is for temporary foreign workers with qualifying work experience in the province. Both streams are designed to support candidates who have already established ties to Quebec through education or employment.

Quebec suspended the graduate stream and closed the worker stream in November 2025 as part of a broader review of its immigration policies and economic immigration system. The province sought to reassess immigration targets and program structures while considering labor market needs. The temporary suspension allowed the government to evaluate how future economic immigration programs could better align with Quebec's workforce and demographic objectives.

According to Quebec's announcement, the PEQ will remain open from July 2, 2026, until July 2, 2028. This two-year reopening period is intended to facilitate the transition of eligible applicants while the province continues developing its long-term immigration strategy. Applicants interested in the program should monitor eligibility requirements and application timelines to ensure they can submit their applications during the available period.

The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is Quebec's economic immigration program designed to select candidates based on labor market needs and economic priorities. The province has indicated that it intends to shift more economic immigration selection to the PSTQ in the future. The program evaluates applicants based on factors such as work experience, skills, occupation, and their potential contribution to Quebec's economy.

Quebec has described the PEQ reopening as a temporary measure rather than a permanent policy change. The provincial government has indicated that it plans to eventually move economic immigration selection toward the PSTQ. While the PEQ will remain open until 2028, future immigration policies may focus more heavily on the skilled worker selection framework rather than the current PEQ model.

Between now and October 31, Quebec plans to reduce invitations through the PSTQ while prioritizing candidates working in TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations. The province will also focus on individuals who have not yet accumulated two years of work experience. This targeted approach aims to address specific labor shortages and support sectors experiencing workforce demands across the province.

The PEQ offers a dedicated pathway to permanent residence for individuals who have already studied or worked in Quebec. Because applicants have existing experience in the province, they are often better positioned to integrate into the local labor market and community. The program provides an opportunity for qualified foreign workers and graduates to establish long-term residency in Quebec and continue contributing to the province's economy.