Foreign workers and international graduates in Quebec are set to receive a new opportunity to pursue permanent residence as the province prepares to restart the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) in July 2026.
The provincial government has announced that the program will resume operations on July 2, creating a temporary pathway for eligible candidates who were affected when the immigration stream was suspended last year. Authorities have confirmed that the PEQ will remain available until July 2028, after which Quebec intends to rely on a different immigration selection system.
The decision is expected to provide relief to many applicants who had already established careers or completed studies in the province and were waiting for a chance to continue their immigration journey.
Also Read Quebec Announces Return of PEQ Pathway for Permanent Residence
Special Intake Planned for Previously Eligible Candidates
Quebec’s reopening strategy will begin with a dedicated intake period designed specifically for individuals who met PEQ requirements before the program stopped accepting applications in November 2025.
The initial phase will operate between July 2 and October 31, 2026. During this period, candidates who had qualified under the previous PEQ rules will be able to submit their applications without facing any intake limits.
Government officials have indicated that this approach is intended to address the backlog of potential applicants whose plans were interrupted when the program was paused.
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Two Applicant Categories Included
The temporary reopening will cover both groups that historically formed the foundation of the PEQ.
These include:
- International graduates who completed eligible studies in Quebec.
- Foreign workers who accumulated qualifying employment experience in the province.
Officials have stated that certificate allocations will be distributed across both streams to maintain balance and fairness throughout the intake process.
Existing Rules to Remain in Place
Applicants preparing to submit their files will not need to navigate a new set of requirements.
Quebec has confirmed that the eligibility conditions used before the suspension will continue to apply during the reopening period. This means candidates who qualified under the previous framework can proceed based on the rules that were already in effect when the program was halted.
The continuity of these requirements is expected to simplify the application process for many individuals who had already prepared their documentation before the suspension.
PSTQ Invitations to Be Adjusted During the Intake Period
Alongside the PEQ announcement, Quebec revealed that it will temporarily modify invitation activity under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).
For the duration of the initial PEQ phase, immigration authorities plan to reduce the number of PSTQ invitations issued. Selection efforts will instead focus on specific groups of workers and candidates whose profiles are considered priorities within the province’s labour market strategy.
Particular attention will be directed toward:
- Workers employed in TEER 4 occupations.
- Workers employed in TEER 5 occupations.
- Candidates who have not yet accumulated two years of work experience.
The adjustment is expected to help immigration officials manage application volumes while accommodating the PEQ reopening.
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Part of Quebec’s Long-Term Immigration Transition
Although the return of the PEQ is significant, provincial authorities have described the measure as temporary rather than permanent.
Quebec has repeatedly emphasized its intention to centralize economic immigration selection through the PSTQ system. The PEQ reopening is therefore being viewed as a transition mechanism rather than a complete restoration of the former immigration framework.
Once the temporary period concludes, the province is expected to continue moving toward a model where the PSTQ serves as the primary pathway for selecting economic immigrants.
Timeline of the Reopening
The latest announcement provides important dates for candidates planning to apply.
| Event | Date |
| PEQ Reopens | July 2, 2026 |
| Application Intake Begins | July 2, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET |
| End of First Phase | October 31, 2026 |
| Planned Program Closure | July 2, 2028 |
What Applicants Should Do Next
Individuals who previously qualified under the PEQ should begin reviewing their eligibility and preparing supporting documentation ahead of the July intake. Since the first phase will not impose an application cap, eligible candidates will have several months to submit their files.
At the same time, prospective immigrants who do not qualify under the PEQ should continue monitoring developments related to the PSTQ, which is expected to play an increasingly important role in Quebec’s immigration system over the coming years.
The reopening represents one of the most notable immigration developments in Quebec this year and could create a valuable permanent residence opportunity for workers and graduates who have already built strong ties to the province.
