Immigration
Notice — deadline running
The PEQ application window closes on 31 October 2026. At the time of writing, roughly two months remain.
People are still searching for “what is the PEQ”. The answer has changed twice in a year, which is why there is so much confusion. Here is where things actually stand.
The PEQ was abolished, then temporarily reopened
The Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) was abolished on 19 November 2025. The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) then became the only skilled worker selection route in Quebec.
The government then reversed course. The PEQ is reopened from 2 July 2026 to 2 July 2028.
But here is the part almost nobody catches: the window to file is far shorter than the reopening itself. Under a ministerial application-management decision, an application for permanent selection can only be received between 2 July and 31 October 2026.
Who can apply
The selection conditions are the same as before each stream was suspended. But first you have to clear an intake criterion, and that one is frozen as at 19 November 2025.
Quebec Graduates stream
You must have obtained in Quebec, as at 19 November 2025, one of the following:
- a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree;
- a technical college diploma (DEC technique);
- a vocational diploma (DEP), alone or followed by an attestation of vocational specialisation (ASP), of at least 1,800 hours.
Temporary Foreign Workers stream
You must have, as at 19 November 2025, at least two years of Quebec work experience in an occupation in NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3.
What that means in practice
19 November 2025 is a closed door. If you graduated — or completed your two years of experience — after that date, the PEQ is not open to you, even during this reopening. Your route is the PSTQ, through Arrima.
Conversely, if you already met the conditions on 19 November 2025 and never filed, you have a window that shuts on 31 October 2026. That is a real opportunity, and a time-limited one.
For those who qualify, the PEQ remains considerably simpler and faster than the PSTQ: no points system, no waiting for an invitation, no draws.
PEQ or PSTQ: how to tell
- You met the conditions on 19 November 2025 (diploma obtained, or two years of experience) → the PEQ is open to you, but only until 31 October 2026.
- You did not meet them by that date → your route is the PSTQ. You file a declaration of interest in Arrima, your profile is scored, and you wait for an invitation.
We cover how the PSTQ and Arrima work in a separate guide: getting a CSQ: the PSTQ and Arrima explained.
What to do now
If you think you may be eligible, do not leave the check until later. Two months goes quickly when you need a diploma, employment records, proof of French, and civil status documents from abroad.
- Check your date. Exactly when did you graduate? When did you complete two years of experience? 19 November 2025 decides everything.
- Check your NOC category if you are using the worker stream: TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.
- Gather your documents now, not in October.
- If you are unsure between PEQ and PSTQ, have your situation checked before choosing. Filing in the wrong program costs time you do not have.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. Dates and conditions can change: always verify with the MIFI. Updated: 31 August 2026.
Eligible for the PEQ? Two months left.
A consultation confirms your eligibility as at 19 November 2025, helps you choose between PEQ and PSTQ, and gets the file built before the 31 October cut-off.