Quebec Immigration Minister François Bonnardel said the Quebec Experience Program, known as PEQ, will reopen for two years [1].
The decision provides a legal pathway for thousands of foreign nationals who have been in limbo while awaiting permanent residency status. By reinstating this accelerated process, the province aims to stabilize its workforce and address the backlog of applicants.
The program is scheduled for implementation on July 2, 2026 [2]. According to government targets, the initiative will allow for the selection of approximately 14,500 new arrivals each year [3]. This move is intended to offer relief to immigrants who have already integrated into the province's social, and economic fabric but lacked a clear path to permanent status.
Valérie Flatt said, "C’est un soulagement pour de nombreux immigrants" [4].
While the announcement has been welcomed by many, some observers remain cautious about the speed of the rollout. One unidentified source said, "Les actes tardent à arriver" [5].
The PEQ has historically served as a fast-track option for workers and international students who have gained professional or academic experience within Quebec. By limiting the current reopening to a two-year window [1], the government maintains control over total immigration volumes while addressing the urgent needs of those currently residing in the province.
“The initiative will allow for the selection of approximately 14,500 new arrivals each year.”
The reinstatement of the PEQ reflects a strategic pivot by the Quebec government to balance strict immigration controls with the economic necessity of retaining skilled workers already present in the province. By targeting a specific number of applicants over a limited timeframe, the administration is attempting to resolve a humanitarian and administrative backlog without committing to a permanent, open-ended increase in immigration quotas.
