Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): First 2026 Intake Ended
Quebec reopened its Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l'expérience québécoise, PEQ) on July 2, 2026 for a temporary two-year period. The first intake ended October 31, 2026, with no cap. Quebec has not announced a later intake date. That intake was for Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers who met the program's study or work conditions by November 19, 2025. Applicants need spoken French at level 7 and written French at level 5.
The first PEQ intake ended October 31, 2026. Quebec has not announced a later application period; the program remains authorized through July 2028.
On this page
- Latest intake
- Ended October 31, 2026; no later dates announced
- Reopening period
- Two years (to July 2028)
- Cap
- No cap on applications in this intake
- Streams
- Quebec graduates; temporary foreign workers
- Key cutoff date
- Conditions met by November 19, 2025
- French
- Oral level 7, written level 5
- Where to apply
- Arrima portal (Quebec immigration ministry)
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 19, 2025 | Quebec closes the PEQ. This date later becomes the cutoff for meeting study or work conditions. |
| June 17, 2026 | Quebec announces a temporary reopening of the PEQ and publishes new application forms dated June 2026. |
| July 2, 2026, 8:30 a.m. (Montreal time) | The first application period opens in Arrima. |
| July 30, 2026 | Separately, Quebec issues 523 invitations across all four streams of the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). |
| October 31, 2026 | The first PEQ application period ends. |
| November 2026 onward | Quebec plans to issue an equal number of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQ) through the PEQ and the PSTQ for the rest of its 2026-2029 plan. |
| July 2028 | The temporary two-year reopening ends. |
Who qualifies?
There are two streams. In both, the key conditions had to be met by November 19, 2025.
| Stream | Main condition |
|---|---|
| Quebec graduates | A bachelor's, master's, or doctorate, a technical college diploma (DEC), or a vocational diploma (DEP) of at least 1,800 hours, alone or followed by a vocational specialization certificate, obtained in Quebec |
| Temporary foreign workers | At least two years of work experience in Quebec in an occupation at TEER (FÉER) 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification |
Both streams require French at level 7 for speaking and level 5 for writing on Quebec's scale, proven with an accepted test or diploma. You must also meet the other conditions on Quebec's PEQ page, such as legal status in Quebec. Use the new forms dated June 2026; older forms are not accepted.
What this means for applicants
- This is a catch-up window. It mainly helps people who were already studying or working in Quebec when the program closed in November 2025.
- Expect slower processing. Quebec warned that high volume means processing may take longer than usual.
- PEQ and PSTQ are separate. You can apply to both, but you pay separate fees and neither fee is refunded if you are selected through the other.
- Quebec selection is step one. After you get a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), you still apply to IRCC for permanent residence and pass federal medical, security, and criminal checks. See immigrating to Quebec.
What to do now
- Confirm your diploma or work experience was complete by November 19, 2025.
- Book a French test now if you do not have proof at the required level. See language tests.
- Check Quebec.ca for any newly announced intake period before preparing an application in Arrima.
- Keep your temporary status valid while you wait. See maintained status and extending your status.
- If you do not qualify for the PEQ, check the PSTQ and other routes on the Canada permanent residency hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PEQ open in 2026?
The PEQ remains authorized through July 2028, but its first intake ended October 31, 2026. Quebec has not announced a later intake period.
Is there a cap on PEQ applications?
Quebec said there is no cap on the number of applications received during the July 2 to October 31, 2026 period.
What French level do I need for the PEQ?
Level 7 for spoken French and level 5 for written French on Quebec's scale.
I graduated in Quebec in 2026. Can I apply?
The first intake required an eligible diploma by November 19, 2025. Quebec has not announced a later intake or its eligibility rules; check the official PEQ page.
Will there be another PEQ intake after October 31, 2026?
The reopening is set for two years, but Quebec has not announced the dates of later intake periods. Watch Quebec.ca for updates.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.