Quebec Reopens PEQ: Key Immigration Updates Announced on June 10, 2026
On June 10, 2026, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) announced several significant immigration measures, including the temporary reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), which had been suspended unexpectedly in November 2025.
This announcement will come as welcome news to many international students and foreign workers whose permanent residence plans became uncertain after the PEQ suspension. In addition, Quebec announced new work permit extension measures for certain PSTQ applicants and expanded work permit eligibility for spouses.
Let’s review the key points announced today.
PEQ Reopens on July 2, 2026
The Quebec government has confirmed that the PEQ will reopen on a temporary basis for a period of two years.
Application intake period: July 2, 2026 to October 31, 2026
Program operation period: Until July 2028
The government also indicated that additional intake periods may be opened before July 2028. While details have not yet been confirmed, it is possible that multiple application windows will be offered for individuals who met the eligibility criteria before the suspension.
The most important date to remember is November 19, 2025. Quebec will use this date to determine eligibility under both PEQ streams.
PEQ – Quebec Diploma Stream
Applicants may qualify if they had already obtained one of the following Quebec diplomas before November 19, 2025:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
- Technical DEC
- DEP
- DEP + ASP (minimum 1,800 hours combined)
One notable change is that applicants are no longer required to have completed their studies in French.
This means graduates of English-language programs may also be eligible to apply under this temporary reopening. For many years, graduates from English institutions were generally required to use the PEQ Work Experience Stream. This temporary measure provides an opportunity for eligible graduates to apply through the diploma stream without first obtaining qualifying work experience.
However, it is important to note that the French language requirement itself has not been eliminated. Applicants must still meet the applicable French proficiency requirements at the time of application.
PEQ – Quebec Work Experience Stream
Applicants may qualify if they:
- Have work experience acquired in Quebec;
- Worked in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation; and
- Had already accumulated at least two years of full-time qualifying work experience by November 19, 2025.
Again, the key factor is the reference date.
Individuals who completed their two years of qualifying work experience after November 19, 2025 are not included in this special reopening measure.
Priority Processing for PSTQ Applicants Awaiting CSQ Decisions
Another important announcement concerns individuals who have already submitted their CSQ applications through the PSTQ program.
Quebec has confirmed that applicants whose work permits are approaching expiration will receive priority processing.
However, priority processing does not guarantee that a CSQ decision will be issued before a work permit expires. As many applicants know, even priority files remain subject to processing times and operational realities.
For this reason, applicants whose status is expiring soon should continue to explore alternative strategies to maintain legal status in Canada while waiting for their CSQ decisions.
12-Month Work Permit Extension for Certain PSTQ Applicants
One of the most significant measures announced today is a new work permit extension policy for certain PSTQ applicants holding employer-specific (closed) work permits.
At Quebec’s request, IRCC will implement a new public policy allowing eligible applicants to extend their work permits for up to 12 months.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have received a PSTQ invitation;
- Have already submitted their CSQ application;
- Hold an employer-specific work permit issued under either the LMIA-based program or the International Mobility Program (IMP); and
- Have a work permit that expired after March 13, 2026 or that will expire before December 31, 2026.
This public policy is currently expected to remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
Expanded Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses
Quebec also announced that spouses and common-law partners of PSTQ applicants who have submitted their CSQ applications will become eligible for work permits.
In addition, Quebec stated that discussions are underway with the federal government to potentially expand this benefit to:
- PEQ applicants; and
- Certain open work permit holders.
Additional details are expected in future announcements.
Temporary Relief for Employers Outside the Montreal Metropolitan Area
From April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, employers located outside the Montreal Metropolitan Area (RMR) will benefit from temporary flexibility regarding the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers they employ.
Normally, employers are limited to:
- 10% low-wage temporary foreign workers; or
- 20% in certain designated sectors.
Under the new measure, employers who already exceed those limits will be permitted to maintain their current workforce levels.
This measure applies regardless of whether workers are participating in the PSTQ program.
Key Takeaways
1. Determine Whether You Met PEQ Eligibility Before November 19, 2025
The first step is to verify whether you had already obtained your qualifying diploma or accumulated two years of qualifying Quebec work experience before November 19, 2025.
This date is central to the reopening criteria.
2. French Language Results Remain Essential
Applicants who qualify under the diploma or work experience requirements must still meet the French language requirements.
Individuals who have not yet obtained their French test results should begin preparing immediately.
3. The PSTQ Work Permit Extension Does Not Apply to Everyone
The new work permit extension policy is limited to applicants who:
- Received a PSTQ invitation; and
- Submitted a CSQ application.
Simply having an Arrima profile is not sufficient.
4. PEQ Has Not Been Permanently Reopened
It is important to remember that PEQ has only been reopened temporarily for a two-year period for people who have been affected by the sudden suspension of PEQ.
Quebec also reaffirmed its intention to position PSTQ as the province’s primary economic immigration pathway in the long term.
Therefore, individuals who are currently studying or accumulating work experience in Quebec should continue planning their immigration strategy primarily through PSTQ.
Final Thoughts
Given these developments, it is more important than ever to assess your eligibility for PEQ and determine whether any of the newly announced PSTQ benefits may apply to your situation.
Each applicant’s circumstances are different, and the most appropriate immigration strategy will vary accordingly.
If you are already a client of R&K Consulting, please feel free to contact us by phone or email. We would be happy to review your file and determine whether you qualify under the PEQ reopening measures.
If you are contacting us for the first time, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will continue monitoring policy developments closely and will share further updates as additional information becomes available.
We’re here to support you with up-to-date guidance and tailored strategies. For personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact us or book a consultation.
Stay tuned for more updates here in our blog section.
— Kate Min Kwon, RCIC & RQIC
