Quebec is making significant changes to its pathways to permanent residence. On November 6, the government announced the closure of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) along with its two streams: the Quebec Graduates stream and the Temporary foreign workers’ stream. Both streams will cease to operate on November 19, 2025. These streams had been paused since October 31, 2024, and the province has decided to end them earlier than previously planned. Additionally, Quebec’s three permanent immigration pilot programs are set to conclude on January 1, 2026. These programs include initiatives for workers in food processing, orderlies, and those in the artificial intelligence, information technologies, and visual effects sectors. Following these changes, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) will be the sole pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Quebec.

What happens to applications already submitted?

All applications under the PEQ and the pilot programs will continue to be processed by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). Applicants can still add family members to their applications, and these requests will be handled by MIFI. For those interested in the pilot programs, the Francophone profile of the artificial intelligence stream is the only one still accepting new applications until December 31. The intake limits for the other streams have already been reached. Skilled foreign workers looking to settle in Quebec permanently can express their interest through the PSTQ by submitting a declaration of interest in Arrima, Quebec’s online portal for immigration. These declarations are then stored in a database for consideration.