Canada: Quebec to reopen major permanent residence pathway from July 2

Quebec will reopen its Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), one of the province's main permanent residence pathways, on July 2, 2026, according to an announcement by the province's immigration ministry. The programme will remain open for two years, until July 2, 2028.

The reopening comes months after Quebec suspended the PEQ graduate stream and closed the worker stream in November 2025. The province had announced plans to revive the programme in May but had not provided a launch date at the time.

First phase targets previously eligible applicants

The PEQ will reopen in two phases. The first phase, running from July 2 to October 31, 2026, will focus on foreign nationals who were eligible for the programme when it was suspended or closed in November 2025.


Applicants from both PEQ streams, the international graduate stream and the foreign worker stream, will be able to apply during this period. Quebec said it aims to issue an equivalent number of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) through both streams.

Eligibility requirements will remain unchanged from those that were in place when the programme was suspended. There will also be no cap on applications during the first phase. Applications will be accepted from 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on July 2 through October 31, 2026.

Quebec shifts focus to Skilled Worker programme

The province said it will reduce the number of invitations issued through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) between now and October 31. During this period, invitations will primarily target candidates working in TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations, as well as those who have not yet accumulated two years of work experience.

Quebec's immigration ministry described the PEQ reopening as a temporary measure. The government has indicated it ultimately plans to phase out the programme and move all economic immigration selection to the PSTQ.

The Quebec Experience Program is a pathway to permanent residence for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have gained education or work experience in Quebec. Successful applicants receive a Quebec Selection Certificate, a key step toward obtaining Canadian permanent residence.