Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) to Resume Operations

The Quebec government has announced the reinstatement of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for a two-year period. This decision comes after the program was temporarily suspended and subsequently closed in recent years.

Previously, the PEQ served as a popular immigration route for international graduates and foreign workers who had studied or worked in Quebec. Following its closure, many applicants had to rely on the PSTQ system, which utilizes a points-based selection process similar to Express Entry.

According to the government, the primary objective of relaunching the PEQ is to provide greater certainty to individuals who are already fluent in French and are well-integrated into Quebec society. However, specific details regarding the reopening date and revised eligibility criteria have not yet been disclosed.

Quebec’s Immigration Strategy

Quebec has reiterated its intention to control overall immigration levels due to various financial, cultural, and linguistic considerations. Additionally, the province has called upon the federal government to assume greater responsibility for managing asylum seekers who arrive in Quebec.

The closure of the PEQ in 2025 marked a significant shift, as it eliminated a direct and straightforward pathway to permanent residency for many temporary residents and graduates in Quebec.