The Government of Quebec has officially confirmed that the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) will reopen on July 2, 2026, giving eligible international graduates and foreign workers another opportunity to apply for permanent residence through one of the province’s most recognized immigration pathways.
According to Quebec’s immigration ministry, the program will remain open for a two-year period until July 2, 2028, although its reopening is being introduced in phases.
First Phase to Run Until October 31, 2026
The first phase of the PEQ reopening will begin at 8:30 AM (Eastern Time) on July 2, 2026, and continue until October 31, 2026.
During this initial phase, applications will primarily be accepted from foreign nationals who would have qualified for the PEQ before the program was suspended or closed on November 19, 2025.
The reopening includes applicants from both existing PEQ categories:
- International Graduate Stream
- Foreign Worker Stream
Quebec has stated that it intends to issue a balanced number of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) through both streams during this period.
Previous Eligibility Rules Will Continue
Applicants who qualify under the first phase will be assessed using the same eligibility requirements that existed when:
- The PEQ Graduate Stream was suspended; and
- The PEQ Worker Stream was officially closed.
This means individuals who already met the previous criteria can submit their applications without facing new eligibility conditions.
No Application Cap During Initial Intake
Unlike many immigration programs that operate with annual quotas, the first phase of the PEQ reopening will not have an application cap.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications anytime between July 2 and October 31, 2026, providing a significant opportunity for those who were affected by the program’s earlier closure.
Quebec to Reduce PSTQ Invitations
While the PEQ accepts applications during this period, Quebec plans to reduce invitations issued through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).
The province indicated that PSTQ invitations will mainly target:
- Workers employed in TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations, and
- Candidates who have not yet accumulated two years of work experience.
This temporary adjustment is expected to support the PEQ reopening process.
PEQ Reopening Is Temporary
Quebec officials have clarified that the PEQ’s return is only a temporary measure.
The province has indicated that it ultimately plans to phase out the PEQ entirely and manage permanent residence selection through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) in the future.
Although the PEQ reopening had been announced in May 2026, the official launch date and detailed implementation plan were only confirmed in a government press release issued on June 10, 2026.
What This Means for Prospective Immigrants
The reopening of the PEQ provides an important opportunity for eligible international graduates and foreign workers who were impacted by the program’s suspension in 2025. Those who previously met the eligibility criteria should prepare their documents early to take advantage of the application window beginning July 2, 2026.
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