Quebec promises to re-open popular PEQ program, but details are uncertain

However, a lack of detail, including an opening date, have left many would-be applicants uncertain about their futures.  

The Quebec Experience Program or « Programme de l’expérience québécoise » (PEQ) allows eligible candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence. The program targets people living in Quebec who have worked and/or studied in the province. PEQ requires applicants to demonstrate strong French-language proficiency.  

In the past, PEQ has been a popular pathway for immigration to Quebec. The program allowed temporary residents in Quebec to become permanent residents. However, in late 2025, the Quebec government announced that PEQ was ending, a decision met by fury and protests from would-be applicants.  

Why is PEQ Re-Opening? 

PEQ is re-opening following a significant change in political leadership in Quebec. Quebec’s governing party, the Coalition Avenir Québec, just replaced their leader with a new one, Christine Fréchette. Last week, Fréchette was sworn in as Quebec’s Premier. She campaigned on a promise to re-open PEQ – and now that she’s Premier, she appears ready to follow through.  

During her inaugural address to Quebec’s National Assembly on May 5, 2026, Fréchette stated: 

“While respecting our immigration thresholds, we must allow those who already speak French, who are already integrated and who already live in our regions, to have maximum predictability and to be able to remain in Quebec. Therefore, I am announcing that the Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration will reopen the Quebec Experience Program for two years.” (translated from French) 

When is PEQ Re-Opening? 

A re-opening date for PEQ has not yet been scheduled. The re-opening was only announced in the past few days, and it may take time for the details to be confirmed.  

What Are the Requirements for the PEQ? 

Full details for the PEQ re-opening have not yet been released. As such, it is important to note that the previous PEQ requirements may be changed or updated when the program re-opens. However, in the past, PEQ has had several key requirements that are likely to remain in place: 

• French-language proficiency: Applicants must prove advanced-intermediate ability in French. This can be demonstrated using a language test, a transcript from studies completed in French, or a license to practice from a professional order in Quebec. 

• Quebec work experience: Applicants under the temporary foreign worker stream must have 24 months of eligible Quebec work experience completed within the past three years.  

• Quebec education: Applicants under the international student stream must have a degree or diploma from a Quebec institution in a program on the list of PEQ Eligible Areas of Training.  

The exact requirements for PEQ are more detailed than this. Please refer to our complete PEQ guide for more information. And, remember, these requirements may chance when Quebec releases more details.  

Is the PEQ Re-Opening Happening with Certainty? 

The statements made by Quebec’s Premier sound determined and certain. However, immigration policies can always change. Timing is the key. 

Quebec is heading into a provincial election in October. If Premier Fréchette can re-open PEQ ahead of the election, then at least some candidates will be able to apply. However, if the program isn’t re-established quickly, its future may be at the whims of whoever wins the provincial election. And – all recent polls suggest that Fréchette will almost certainly lose. 

How Many Applications Will be Accepted When PEQ Re-Opens? 

Quebec has not announced how many applications will be accepted when PEQ re-opens. However, Premier Frechette did make clear that the PEQ admissions will “respect [Quebec’s] immigration thresholds.”  

In 2026, Quebec has committed to admitting approximately 30,000 permanent residents through economic programs. Some of those applications are already in processing, and other spots may be reserved for the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program. We can expect that the PEQ targets will fit around these existing targets. However, the exact numbers won’t be known until Quebec releases more information.  

What Should PEQ Hopefuls Do Now? 

If you want to apply to PEQ when it re-opens, the best thing you can do now is prepare all the documents you might need. Yes – things could change – but there are certain documents that will almost certainly be required.  

When PEQ re-opens, it will be extremely popular and could operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If this is the case, applicants who are ready to submit immediately will have a big advantage.  

What do you need to apply? Check out our complete guide on PEQ for more details on the different streams and document requirements. For professional help, book a consultation with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant who has Quebec experience.