PEQ 2026: Québec Experience Program

Applications to the Québec Experience Program (PEQ) closed on October 31, 2026. If you submitted an application, here are the next steps. If you did not, other pathways to permanent residence exist, including the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

The Québec government had announced a temporary reopening of the PEQ from July 2, 2026 to July 2, 2028, with applications accepted from July 2 to October 31, 2026. No new intake period has been announced so far. The eligibility conditions had to be met as of November 19, 2025.

PEQ 2026 requirements

Québec Graduates stream

• Have obtained an eligible diploma in Québec no later than November 19, 2025: bachelor's, master's, doctorate, technical college diploma (DEC), or vocational diploma (DEP) or attestation of vocational specialization (ASP) totalling at least 1,800 hours.
• Show the required knowledge of French (see below).
• Meet the other residence and status conditions set by the Ministry.

Temporary Foreign Workers stream

• Have at least two years of full-time work experience in Québec as of November 19, 2025.
• Experience in a job in TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Show the required knowledge of French and meet the program's other conditions.

What level of French is required?

The PEQ requires knowledge of French proven by a test or diploma recognized by the Ministry. Level 7 on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français is required for speaking, and the Graduates stream also requires level 5 for writing. Have your test and results checked before you apply: an unacceptable result is one of the most common reasons for refusal.

You applied to the PEQ: what comes next

1. Follow your application on the Arrima platform of the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), and respond quickly to any request for documents.
2. Keep your status valid throughout processing (see below).
3. After the CSQ, apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Keep your status during processing

The CSQ is not a status in Canada. While your file is being reviewed, your work or study permit must remain valid. If it is about to expire, consider an extension or, if the date has already passed, restoration of status within 90 days. To renew a permit, see our page on work permits.

Didn't apply to the PEQ?

Other pathways exist: the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) in Québec, Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Programs elsewhere in Canada, or family sponsorship. Learn about them on our page on permanent residence or family sponsorship.

How PSK Immigration supports you

Our Montréal firm, supervised by a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC), helps you:

• review a PEQ application you have already submitted;
• respond to document requests from the MIFI;
• assess other pathways, such as the PSTQ, if you could not apply;
• move on to the federal permanent residence application and keep your status.

No consultant can guarantee the outcome of an application: the decision belongs to the MIFI and then to IRCC. Our role is to submit the strongest, most complete file possible.

Review your options. Book an appointment online or call us at 514-334-8338.

Frequently asked questions about PEQ 2026

Can I still apply to the PEQ?

No. Applications closed on October 31, 2026. No new period has been announced so far; other programs, such as the PSTQ, may suit your profile.

I obtained my diploma or my two years of experience after November 19, 2025. Am I eligible?

The diploma or experience conditions must be met as of November 19, 2025. If that is not your case, other programs such as the PSTQ may be suitable: have your file assessed.

Does the CSQ give me permanent residence?

No. The CSQ is Québec's selection. You must then apply to IRCC for permanent residence; IRCC checks medical and security admissibility, among other things.

My permit expires during processing. What should I do?

Apply for an extension before it expires. If it has already expired, an application for restoration of status is possible within 90 days, under certain conditions.

Source: Programme de l'expérience québécoise, Gouvernement du Québec. Information current as of November 1, 2026; always check the official conditions.