Quebec has announced the temporary reopening of its Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), creating a new pathway for eligible international graduates and temporary foreign workers seeking permanent immigration opportunities in the province.
The Government of Quebec confirmed that the PEQ will reopen for a two-year period from July 2, 2026, to July 2, 2028, as part of efforts to support the province’s immigration objectives for the 2026–2029 period. The program had previously been closed in November 2025.
The reopening is expected to provide new opportunities for eligible individuals already living, studying, and working in Quebec who wish to pursue permanent residence through one of the province’s most well-known immigration pathways.
Who Can Apply Under the Reopened PEQ?
The first application intake period will run from July 2 to October 31, 2026.
During this period, applications will be accepted under two streams:
- Quebec Graduates Stream
Applicants may qualify if they obtained an eligible Quebec diploma on or before November 19, 2025. Eligible credentials include bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorates, technical college diplomas, and certain vocational education programs of at least 1,800 hours.
- Temporary Foreign Workers Stream
Applicants may qualify if they accumulated at least two years of eligible work experience in Quebec in NOC categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 by November 19, 2025.
Unlike some immigration intake rounds, Quebec has confirmed there will be no cap on the number of PEQ applications accepted during the July 2 to October 31, 2026 submission period. Eligible applicants may submit their applications at any time during this window.
Key Selection Requirements
For Quebec graduates, applicants must:
- Be residing in Quebec at the time of application
- Have spent at least half of their study program physically studying in Quebec
- Have obtained an eligible diploma within the three years preceding their application
- Demonstrate French proficiency equivalent to level 5 in written French and level 7 in spoken French
- Not be subject to a scholarship condition requiring a return to their home country after graduation
For temporary foreign workers, applicants must:
- Hold an eligible job in Quebec at the time of application
- Demonstrate level 7 oral French proficiency
- Be physically present in Quebec when submitting their application
- Have accumulated at least two years of eligible work experience in Quebec by November 19, 2025
- Have acquired that work experience in occupations classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC)
For both streams, applicants must also intend to settle in Quebec, demonstrate knowledge of Quebec’s democratic values, and show that they can provide for their own basic needs and those of any accompanying family members.
In addition, applicants applying with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner must also ensure that their spouse demonstrates spoken French proficiency at level 4.
Application Process Begins July 2
Quebec will begin accepting applications through the Arrima platform starting at 8:30 a.m. Montreal time on July 2, 2026.
The government has also announced that updated application forms will be made available on June 17, 2026. Applicants have been advised not to use older forms, as they will not be accepted.
Quebec noted that processing times may be longer than usual due to the expected volume of applications. The province also confirmed that it is not renewing its previous six-month processing commitment for PEQ applications. Applicants must therefore ensure they maintain valid immigration status and work authorization while their applications are being processed.
What Happens to Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program?
While the PEQ reopens, Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) will continue operating.
However, the province says the number of PSTQ invitations will be reduced during the PEQ application period. Future invitations are expected to focus primarily on individuals who do not qualify for the PEQ, including some workers in lower-skilled occupations and candidates who have not yet accumulated the required work experience for PEQ eligibility.
Why This Matters
The reopening of the PEQ may provide renewed opportunities for many international graduates and temporary foreign workers who have already established themselves in Quebec.
The program has historically been viewed as one of Quebec’s most direct pathways toward permanent residence because it recognizes local education, work experience, French language ability, and integration into Quebec society.
For many applicants who were affected by the program’s closure in 2025, the temporary reopening may offer a new chance to pursue long-term settlement plans in Quebec.
Understanding whether you qualify under the Quebec Graduates or Temporary Foreign Workers stream, and ensuring your documents, work history, and French-language requirements meet program standards, remains an important part of preparing a successful application.
How Sehli Global Can Help
Sehli Global helps applicants understand whether they may qualify under the reopened Quebec Experience Program, assess their eligibility, review documentation requirements, and explore other Canadian immigration pathways that may be available based on their profile.
Applicants interested in understanding possible immigration opportunities connected to their situation can book an appointment with Sehli Global here.
Conclusion
Quebec’s decision to temporarily reopen the PEQ from July 2026 to July 2028 marks a significant development for international graduates and temporary foreign workers seeking permanent immigration opportunities in the province.
While the reopening may create new opportunities for eligible applicants, individuals must still satisfy Quebec’s selection requirements and maintain valid immigration status throughout the application process.
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