Quebec to reopen the PEQ for two years

On June 10, Quebec announced the PEQ will reopen on July 2, 2026, with a first intake running to October 31.

What happened

On June 10, 2026, Quebec's immigration ministry (MIFI) announced a temporary, two-year reopening of the Québec Experience Program (PEQ), starting July 2, 2026. The first intake runs from July 2 to October 31, 2026, for both the Quebec graduate and temporary foreign worker streams, with no cap on applications. New application kits became available on June 17; older forms are not accepted.

Who can apply

Eligibility is assessed as of November 19, 2025, the date the PEQ was abolished, and applicants must be living in Quebec when they apply. Graduates need an eligible Quebec credential (bachelor's, master's, doctorate, technical DEC, or a DEP of at least 1,800 hours, among others) obtained within three years before applying, and must have studied in Quebec for at least half the program's length. Workers need at least two years of Quebec work experience in TEER 0 to 3 occupations as of November 19, 2025, and must hold such a job when applying.

The principal applicant needs oral French at level 7 on the Quebec scale (plus written level 5 for graduates). An accompanying spouse needs oral French at level 4.

What it means

While the PEQ intake is open, Quebec will issue fewer invitations under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), focusing mainly on TEER 4 and 5 occupations and people with less than two years of experience as of November 19, 2025. Any further intakes after October 31, and the size of later PSTQ rounds, will depend on the number of PEQ applications received. Eligible candidates should gather diplomas, employment letters and French test results early and use the new forms.

Based on official information available at the time of the announcement. General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often; IRCC and provincial websites prevail.