Quebec Reopens the PEQ for Graduates and Workers on July 2, 2026
Quebec reopened the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) on July 2, 2026 for a temporary two-year period, with a first application window that closes on October 31, 2026 and no cap on applications. It is open to Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers who met the study or work conditions by November 19, 2025, the day the program had closed. Applicants need spoken French at level 7 and written French at level 5.
- Date
- July 2, 2026 (announced June 17, 2026)
- Application window
- July 2 to October 31, 2026
- Cap
- None for this window
- Who is affected
- Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers in Quebec
- Cutoff for conditions
- November 19, 2025
- French required
- Oral level 7, written level 5
What happened
On June 17, 2026 the Government of Quebec announced a temporary reopening of the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ). The first application period opened in the Arrima portal at 8:30 a.m. Montreal time on July 2, 2026 and runs until October 31, 2026. Quebec said there is no cap on the number of applications during this period, and that the reopening will last two years.
The PEQ had closed on November 19, 2025. The reopening is designed for people who were already on track when it closed: both streams require that the key conditions were met by that date.
Quebec also warned that high demand will likely mean longer processing times than usual.
Who is affected
Two groups can apply:
- Quebec graduates who obtained a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate, a technical college diploma (DEC), or a vocational diploma (DEP) of at least 1,800 hours in Quebec by November 19, 2025.
- Temporary foreign workers with at least two years of work experience in Quebec in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation by November 19, 2025.
Both need French at level 7 for speaking and level 5 for writing. People who finished their studies or reached two years of work after November 19, 2025 do not qualify under this reopening; the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is the main alternative.
The PSTQ continues in parallel. On July 30, 2026, Quebec issued 523 invitations across all four PSTQ streams. Quebec said it plans, from November 2026, to issue an equal number of selection certificates through the PEQ and the PSTQ.
What to do
- Check that your diploma or work experience was complete by November 19, 2025.
- Get proof of French at the required levels, such as an approved test. See language tests.
- Download the new forms dated June 2026 from Quebec.ca. Older forms are not accepted.
- Submit in Arrima before October 31, 2026.
- Keep your work or study permit valid while you wait. See maintained status.
If you apply to both the PEQ and the PSTQ, you pay separate fees, and Quebec does not refund either. After Quebec selects you, you still apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
For full details, read our Quebec PEQ status page.
Frequently asked questions
When does the PEQ application window close?
The first window closes on October 31, 2026.
Is there a limit on PEQ applications?
Quebec said there is no cap on applications during the July 2 to October 31, 2026 period.
Can I apply if I graduated in 2026?
No. Under this reopening, your diploma had to be obtained by November 19, 2025.
How long will the PEQ stay open?
Quebec described the reopening as temporary, for two years. Dates for later intake periods have not been announced.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.