Quebec to Reopen PEQ Immigration Program on July 2 2026

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) to Reopen on July 2, 2026

The Government of Quebec has officially announced that the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) will reopen on July 2, 2026. This popular pathway to permanent residence will remain available for two years, until July 2, 2028.

Let’s take a closer look at what this means for international graduates and foreign workers in Quebec.

PEQ Will Reopen in Two Phases

First of all, the PEQ will not reopen all at once. Instead, the program will return in two phases.

The first phase will begin on July 2, 2026, and continue until October 31, 2026. During this period, Quebec will focus on individuals who were already eligible for the PEQ when the program was suspended or closed on November 19, 2025.

Who Can Apply During the First Phase?

Specifically, the first phase will include candidates from both PEQ streams:

• International Graduate Stream
• Foreign Worker Stream

Moreover, Quebec plans to issue a similar number of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) through both streams.

Eligibility Rules Will Remain the Same

Importantly, applicants will not have to meet any new requirements.

Instead, the eligibility criteria will remain exactly the same as they were before the PEQ graduate stream was suspended and the worker stream was closed in 2025.

As a result, candidates who were previously eligible should be able to apply under the same rules.

No Application Cap During the First Phase

Another positive update is that there will be no limit on the number of applications accepted during the first phase.

Applications can be submitted starting from 8:30 AM Eastern Time on July 2, 2026, and will continue to be accepted until October 31, 2026.

Changes to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

Meanwhile, Quebec will reduce the number of invitations issued through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

During this period, the government will mainly focus on:

• Candidates working in TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations.
• Candidates who have not yet completed two years of work experience.

Therefore, more attention will temporarily shift toward the PEQ reopening.

PEQ Reopening Is a Temporary Measure

However, Quebec’s immigration ministry has made it clear that this reopening is only temporary.

In the long term, the province plans to gradually phase out the PEQ and manage permanent residence selection entirely through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

Earlier Announcement Confirmed

Previously, Quebec had announced in May 2026 that the PEQ would return. However, no official launch date was provided at that time.

Finally, on June 10, 2026, Quebec’s immigration ministry released a press statement confirming the reopening date and providing additional details about the program.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the reopening of the PEQ offers a valuable opportunity for eligible international graduates and foreign workers who were affected by the program’s suspension in 2025.

Since there will be no application cap during the first phase and eligibility requirements remain unchanged, qualified candidates should begin preparing their documents and application plans as soon as possible.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).