Reopening of the Quebec Experience Program: Confirmed
After months of promises, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) will be reopened! Immétis reviews this major announcement.
A highly anticipated announcement
The announcement, made during a press conference held on the same day as its convening, came as a surprise due to its sudden nature, but especially because of the significance of the information revealed. Three months after the electoral promises, the decision has been made: the PEQ, including its two streams, will be reopened.
This reopening is reshaping the immigration pathway for skilled temporary workers and graduates in Quebec, who have faced significant uncertainty since the program was suspended over a year ago, and then abolished in November 2025.
A look back at a striking and sudden suspension
For reference, the “Temporary Foreign Workers” stream of the PEQ was suspended on June 5, 2025, with immediate effect, preventing any new applications for permanent selection until November 30, 2025. Initially suspended from October 31, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the “Graduate” stream of the PEQ was also subject to an extension of its suspension until November 30, 2025.
Subsequently, the Government of Quebec replaced this suspension with the abolition of the program, without prior notice.
Consequently, this decision caused a significant shock among temporary residents in Quebec, many of whom had structured their immigration plans around the PEQ. It also led to a forced transition to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which remained uncertain at the time of its launch.
Details on the reopening
The PEQ will be reactivated as of July 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., for an initial period of two years.
Both streams of the program will be reinstated:
- Temporary Foreign Workers
- Quebec graduates
A first intake period for applications, during which candidates will be able to submit their applications through the ARRIMA platform, will take place from July 2 to October 31, 2026. This first period is intended for all candidates who were eligible before November 19, 2025, the date of its abolition.
No cap has been set on the number of applications that may be submitted during this initial period. However, the government estimates that between 8,000 and 12,000 applications could be filed over these four months.
Moreover, additional intake periods are expected to be announced at a later date. One of them is expected to be aimed at candidates who would have been eligible for the PEQ after November 19, 2025, according to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI).
Eligibility requirements
Candidates must meet all PEQ requirements as they were in force prior to November 19, 2025:
Quebec Graduates Stream:
- Be residing in Quebec at the time of submitting the application
- Have obtained a degree from an eligible program in Quebec
- DEP followed by an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (ASP), for a total training duration of 1,800 hours or more
- Have a French language proficiency level of 7 in speaking and level 5 in writing.
Temporary Foreign Workers Stream:
- Hold an eligible job in a TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 at the time of submitting the application
- Have accumulated at least 24 months of full-time work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 category in Quebec
- Have a French language proficiency level of 7 in speaking
Moreover, additional information about the program will be published during the day of June 17, 2026.
Processing times
For the time being, the Government of Quebec has not communicated any official processing times for applications. However, the ministry has specified that the previous six-month processing commitment made before the abolition of the PEQ will not be reinstated.
During the processing of their application, candidates will be required to ensure that they maintain a valid temporary immigration status in Quebec and renew it if necessary.
The PEQ and the PSTQ: Two parallel programs
The reopening of the PEQ does not replace the PSTQ. Both programs will coexist, and each will allow applicants to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
However, this coexistence will operate within the limits of the thresholds set by Quebec for the admission of permanent immigrants. These thresholds are set at 45,000 permanent residents per year, including 29,000 under the economic category by 2029.
To meet these thresholds, the government will reduce the number of invitations under the PSTQ until October 31. Invitations will prioritize individuals who are not eligible for the PEQ, including those under Streams 2 and 4. They will also include people who have not yet obtained two years of work experience in Quebec.
In summary
The reopening of the PEQ is a highly anticipated announcement. Indeed, it gives temporary residents another opportunity to consider a long-term settlement in the province.
Do you have questions about this highly anticipated announcement? Our professionals are available to answer your questions.
This article discusses a recent development in immigration, which may change at any time. Its latest update was on June 11, 2026.