Quebec reopens a popular PR pathway for workers, i.e., Quebec will reopen its Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for a two-year period, according to an announcement made by the province’s new Premier, Christine Fréchette.
The PEQ, officially known as the Programme de l’expérience québécoise, had long been one of Quebec’s most popular pathways to permanent residence for foreign workers and international students with experience in the province.
Before it was suspended and later closed, the PEQ gave many foreign nationals another option to apply for permanent residence in Quebec.
This was especially important for candidates who had limited chances of receiving an invitation through the province’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) and Arrima system, which is Quebec’s version of the federal Express Entry system.
Premier Fréchette did not confirm the exact reopening date for the PEQ.
She also did not explain whether the province plans to change the program’s eligibility rules or application process.
The announcement was made on May 5 during her first address to Quebec’s National Assembly.
Quebec Continues To Manage Its Own Immigration
Foreign nationals planning to settle in Quebec must apply through immigration programs managed by the province itself.
Federal immigration programs, including the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program, are only available to people planning to settle outside Quebec.
Quebec has special powers over immigration because of agreements signed with the federal government many years ago.
This allows the province to control much of its own immigration selection process.
Focus On French Speakers And Integration
Premier Fréchette explained that reopening the PEQ is meant to help people who already speak French and have built their lives in Quebec.
During her speech, she said the province wants to offer more predictability to people who are already integrated into Quebec society.
The PEQ has traditionally focused on workers and graduates who already have strong ties to the province, including work experience, studies, and French-language ability.
Before becoming Premier, Fréchette served as Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francization, and Integration from 2022 to 2024.
Earlier this year, she publicly supported reopening the PEQ during her leadership campaign.
Quebec Says Immigration Capacity Remains Limited
Although the province plans to reopen the PEQ, Fréchette also repeated Quebec’s position that the province cannot increase immigration endlessly.
She stated that Quebec’s reception capacity remains limited because of language, culture, and financial pressures.
The Premier also spoke about asylum seekers and asked the federal government to provide more support.
She said asylum seekers should be distributed more evenly across Canada and that Ottawa should repay Quebec for expenses related to welcoming newcomers.
Why Quebec Closed The PEQ?
The PEQ officially closed on November 19, 2025 under the government of former Premier François Legault.
Before the closure, the two main streams of the PEQ had already been suspended.
The Quebec Graduates stream was suspended on October 31, 2024, while the Temporary Foreign Workers stream was suspended on June 25, 2025.
The closure happened as Canada and Quebec both began changing immigration policies because of rising temporary resident numbers.
For many workers and international graduates in Quebec, the PEQ closure marked a major shift.
It was the first time in many years that skilled workers and graduates with Quebec experience no longer had a direct and clear path to permanent residence in the province.
The closure was also part of Quebec’s 2026 – 2029 Immigration Plan.
Under that plan, the province reduced immigration targets and set a yearly limit of 45,000 permanent residents.
PSTQ Became The Main Skilled Worker Pathway
After the PEQ closed, the Skilled Worker Selection Program, also called the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), became the province’s main pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence.
The PSTQ uses a points-based system.
Candidates are assessed based on factors such as:
- French-language ability
- Work experience in Quebec
- Study experience in Quebec
- Education
- Other selection factors
The decision to reopen the PEQ is expected to bring relief to many temporary workers and international graduates already living in Quebec who have been waiting for a clearer pathway to permanent residence.
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