Quebec to Reopen PEQ Immigration Program on July 2, 2026
Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration confirmed in June 2026 that the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) — the province's fast-track route to permanent residence for graduates and skilled workers — will reopen on a temporary basis. The reopening does not take effect immediately. Applications open on July 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time through the Arrima portal, and the program is expected to run until July 2, 2028, when the government has indicated it will close permanently.
The first intake period runs from July 2 to October 31, 2026. During this initial window, Quebec has said it will accept applications only from candidates who were already qualified for the PEQ when it was abolished on November 19, 2025 — that is, applicants who by that date had obtained an eligible Quebec diploma (Graduate stream) or accumulated the required eligible Quebec work experience (Worker stream). Applicants must also demonstrate the required advanced-intermediate French-language proficiency.
The government has said there is no fixed ceiling on the number of applications accepted during this first intake, though admissions must still fit within Quebec's overall immigration levels plan. Because a large volume of applications is expected over the four-month window, the ministry has indicated it is not renewing its previous commitment to process PEQ applications within six months, so processing times may be longer than in the past.
The PEQ had been closed since late 2025, a decision that drew criticism from employers, universities and immigrant advocates. Some advocates have publicly described the temporary, eligibility-restricted reopening as inadequate. Exact eligibility criteria, later intake dates and any rule changes should be confirmed against Quebec's official announcements before applying, as details can be updated.
This is general information, not legal advice — for your situation, consult an authorized immigration representative.