Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) to Reopen July 2026

The Government of Quebec has officially announced the temporary reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), once again providing an opportunity for eligible temporary foreign workers and international graduates to pursue permanent residence in Quebec.

After being suspended in late 2025, the PEQ will reopen from July 2, 2026, to July 2, 2028, giving eligible candidates access to one of Quebec’s most established pathways to permanent residency.

The reopening of the PEQ presents an important opportunity for eligible workers and graduates to take the next step toward permanent residence in Quebec. Preparing early can help ensure your application is ready for submission when the intake period begins.

PEQ Reopening: Two Phases

The Quebec government has confirmed that the program will reopen in two phases. At the time of writing, the Quebec government has confirmed that the first phase will run from July 2, 2026, until October 31, 2026, and is for foreign nationals who had already become eligible for the PEQ before the program was suspended on November 19, 2025.

Importantly, the Quebec government has confirmed that there will be no cap on applications during this first intake period, and more information regarding an application cap during the second intake will be announced as that phase approaches.

Eligible applicants may submit applications under either of the PEQ streams:

1. International Graduate Stream
2. Temporary Foreign Worker Stream

PEQ Eligibility Requirements

The PEQ remains one of the fastest pathways to obtaining Quebec permanent residence for individuals who have studied or worked in the province. To qualify during this initial intake period, applicants must have met the PEQ eligibility requirements that were in effect before the program’s closure.

Each PEQ stream contains specific eligibility criteria relating to education, work experience, language requirements, legal status, and other program conditions. Please review the complete eligibility requirements for both the International Graduate Stream and the Temporary Foreign Worker Stream here.

New PEQ Application Forms

The government of Quebec has introduced updated application forms for the reopening of the PEQ. Applicants must ensure they use these updated versions as they a have clearly indicated that old application forms will not be accepted, and submissions using outdated documentation may be refused or returned.

Apply Early

Although there is no application cap during the first intake period, eligible candidates should not delay preparing their applications. Immigration processing times are influenced by application volumes. Submitting a complete and accurate application as early as possible after the reopening may help applicants move through the process more quickly.

Canadim's Montreal Immigration Lawyers Can Help

At Canadim, a Montreal-based immigration law firm, we have years of experience assisting foreign workers, international graduates, and their families with Quebec immigration programs, including the PEQ. Whether you are applying through the International Graduate Stream or the Temporary Foreign Worker Stream, our lawyers can assess your eligibility, review your documentation, prepare your application, and guide you throughout the whole process to ensure the best possible outcome.

With the PEQ reopening on July 2, 2026, now is the ideal time to contact us and get started. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and begin preparing your PEQ application before the program reopens.