Quebec Announces Closure of Experience Program, Tightening Pathways to Permanent Residence
PEQ Closure Timeline
According to the Quebec government, both the Graduate and Temporary Foreign Worker streams under the PEQ have been suspended since October 31, 2024. Initially, the suspension was to last until June 30, 2025, but it was later extended to November 30, 2025. It has now been confirmed that both streams will permanently close on November 19, 2025.
Additionally, the following three permanent immigration pilot programs will officially end on January 1, 2026:
- Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Food Processing Workers
- Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Orderlies
- Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Visual Effects
After these closures, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) will become the only remaining pathway to permanent residence in Quebec.
Processing of Submitted Applications
Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) confirmed that all permanent selection applications already submitted under the PEQ or the three pilot programs will continue to be processed.
Furthermore, applications to add family members (spouses or dependent children) to already approved permanent selection cases will continue to be accepted and processed.
Pilot Programs: Limited Intake Remains
Within the pilot programs, only the Francophone stream of the Artificial Intelligence category remains open to new applicants until December 31, 2025.
All other categories have already reached their intake limits.
PSTQ: The New Option for Skilled Workers
Foreign nationals who wish to settle in Quebec permanently can still declare their intent to immigrate through the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ).
To apply, candidates must:
- Submit a Declaration of Interest through the online Arrima platform;
- Receive an invitation based on their score and Quebec’s selection criteria;
- Submit a full application for permanent selection.
The PSTQ includes four main streams:
- Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized workers
- Stream 2: Intermediate and manual workers
- Stream 3: Regulated professions
- Stream 4: Exceptional talent
General Eligibility Criteria for PSTQ
To qualify under the PSTQ, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Intend to live and work in Quebec;
- Be able to perform the selected occupation;
- Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for the first three months after becoming a permanent resident (including dependents);
- Obtain the Attestation of Learning about Democratic Values of Quebec;
- Comply with any scholarship return conditions (if applicable);
- Meet the criteria that led to their invitation to apply.
Applicants cannot propose employment in a business they own or control, nor can they work in restricted industries such as payday loans, cheque cashing, pawnbroking, or adult entertainment.
Quebec Immigration Levels Plan (2025–2026)
Quebec’s newly tabled 2025 Immigration Levels Plan also sets the following targets:
- 45,000 new permanent residents for 2025;
- 64% of permanent admissions from temporary residents already in Quebec;
- For the first time, specific targets for temporary foreign workers and international students: 55,700 temporary foreign workers in 2026; 68,500 international students in 2026.
Summary
With the closure of the PEQ and the conclusion of multiple pilot programs, Quebec’s permanent immigration framework is entering a new phase of reform. The PSTQ will become the province’s only main pathway to permanent residence, focusing on candidates with strong professional qualifications and the ability to integrate into Quebec society.
This move underscores the government’s efforts to manage immigration levels, strengthen the labor market, and promote the province’s French-language and cultural integration goals.
Friendly reminder: There are many pathways to immigrate to Canada. We recommend first using UNA AI to generate an objective and neutral immigration plan, so you can gain an initial understanding of the possible immigration pathways and their requirements, and then choose to proceed with one-on-one consultations with a licensed Canadian immigration consultant partnered with UNA.
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