PEQ Program Closing

To restructure its immigration system, the Government of Quebec has announced the permanent closure of the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ).

The PEQ was a streamlined route to PR for skilled workers and international students and will officially end on November 19, 2025, according to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI). Currently, both streams under the PEQ are already suspended and will not reopen, though applications submitted before the deadline will still be processed.

Why Is the PEQ closing?

For many applicants, the PEQ represented one of the most accessible and efficient routes to obtaining permanent residency in Quebec. However, the decision comes alongside Quebec’s new 2026–2029 Immigration Plan, which reflects the provincial government’s goal of balancing economic, demographic, and linguistic priorities following growing concerns about housing availability and the preservation/integration of the French language.

New PR Annual Cap

Beginning in 2026, the province will set an annual cap of 45,000 new permanent residents, a notable reduction from the 61,000 expected in 2025. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to moderate overall population growth while preserving the cultural and linguistic identity of Quebec society.

French Language Proficiency

A key focus of the new plan is strengthening French language skills among newcomers. The province aims to significantly raise the level of French among new arrivals. By 2029, Quebec’s target is for 80% of new immigrants to possess at least an intermediate knowledge of French.

This marks the start of Quebec’s long-term plan to lower the number of people coming to the country temporarily, such as temporary workers and international students, by 13% by the year 2029.

Right now, there are more than 500,000 temporary residents in the country, so the government is re-evaluating whether this number fits with its goals for helping newcomers integrate into society and promoting the French language.

The new plan for 2026-2029 aims to create a more balanced and sustainable immigration system that takes into account language, regional needs, and economic priorities.

What Now?

From 2026 onward, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés – PSTQ) will be the sole pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Quebec. The PSTQ favours and wants to attract applicants who demonstrate strong French skills, have Quebec-based work or study experience, and fit in regional labour needs.