The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) had been closed since November 19, 2025. Good news: it's reopening. The Government of Quebec has announced that the PEQ will be available again starting July 2, 2026, for a period of two years. While this thrills a lot of people, there are specific rules to follow. Not everyone can apply. Here's what you absolutely need to know.
What is the PEQ?
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a permanent immigration program run by Quebec. It allows foreign graduates of Quebec and temporary foreign workers already settled here to obtain permanent residence. There are two streams:
- Quebec Graduates stream — for people who studied in Quebec.
- Temporary Foreign Workers stream — for people who worked in Quebec.
The PEQ was scrapped on November 19, 2025. Its reopening is a promise kept by the Government of Quebec.
When exactly does the PEQ reopen?
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Forms go online | June 17, 2026 |
| Application submissions open | July 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. |
| End of the intake period | October 31, 2026 |
Heads up: even though the program is open for two years (until July 2, 2028), you can only submit your application between July 2 and October 31, 2026. That's a window of just 4 months.
Who can apply to the PEQ?
Quebec Graduates stream
You can apply if, as of November 19, 2025, you had obtained one of these diplomas in Quebec:
- A bachelor's degree
- A master's degree
- A doctorate
- A technical Diploma of College Studies (DEC)
- A Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP)
- An Attestation of Vocational Specialization (ASP) of at least 1,800 hours
The diploma must have been earned at a designated Quebec institution.
Temporary Foreign Workers stream
You can apply if, as of November 19, 2025, you had:
- At least 2 years of work experience in Quebec
- In a job classified as TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 (under the National Occupational Classification, or NOC)
The November 19, 2025 rule: why it matters
The government uses the date of November 19, 2025 as its reference point. That's the date the PEQ was scrapped. What this means:
- If you already held the required diploma on November 19, 2025 → you can apply.
- If you already had the 2 years of work on November 19, 2025 → you can apply.
- If you didn't meet the criteria on that date → this reopening doesn't apply to you.
This rule is mainly meant to help people who were ready to apply but didn't get the chance before the program closed.
Other conditions to meet
Having the right diploma or work experience isn't enough. You also need to:
- Reside in Quebec at the time of your application.
- Be employed (for the Workers stream) in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 category at the time you submit.
- Use the new June 2026 forms (available on Quebec.ca).
The Minister of Immigration, François Bonnardel, has confirmed that these conditions will be applied strictly.
PEQ and PSTQ: what's the difference?
The PEQ does not replace the PSTQ (Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program). The two programs run at the same time.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I apply to the PEQ and the PSTQ at the same time? | Yes |
| Will processing be faster in one of the two programs? | No, both are processed at the same speed |
| Do I have to pay twice? | Yes, processing fees apply to each application |
During the PEQ period, the government will send fewer invitations under the PSTQ. Those invitations will mainly target people who cannot apply to the PEQ, for example:
- Those working in TEER 4 or 5 category jobs.
- Those who didn't yet have 2 years of experience as of November 19, 2025.
Processing times: be patient
Before the closure, the MIFI committed to processing PEQ applications within 6 months. That commitment is no longer in effect. The government warns that the volume of applications will be very high over just 4 months. So expect longer delays than usual.
How to submit your application
Step 1: Prepare your documents
- Your diploma (Graduates stream) or your employment records (Workers stream)
- Proof of residence in Quebec
- Your current employment attestation (if applicable)
Step 2: Download the right forms
- Go to Quebec.ca
- Download the new forms dated June 2026
- The old forms are no longer valid
Step 3: Submit your application on Arrima
- Log in to the Arrima platform
- The submission window opens on July 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. (Montreal time)
- You have until October 31, 2026
Conclusion
The reopening of the PEQ is excellent news for foreign graduates and workers already settled in Quebec. If you were eligible before the program closed in November 2025, this 4-month window is your chance to settle your status. Our advice: start preparing your file right now. Download the right forms, gather your documents and be ready to submit your application on July 2, 2026. With the longer processing times, the earlier you submit, the better.
This article is for information purposes only. For the official, up-to-date details, check the Government of Quebec website or speak with an immigration advisor.
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