Quebec to reopen Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) on July 2

IRCC Announcement 2026 -- June 2026 -- What It Means for You

Quebec is reopening the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) on July 2, 2026, as announced on June 15, 2026. According to IRCC, this program will prioritize applicants who were eligible when it closed. The PEQ is a popular program for Quebec immigration candidates, allowing them to apply for permanent residence after gaining work experience in the province. This IRCC announcement 2026 is significant for those who have been waiting for the program to reopen. The exact details of the reopening, including any changes to eligibility criteria or application procedures, will be crucial for affected candidates to understand. As part of the IRCC announcement 2026, Quebec aims to attract and retain skilled workers who can contribute to the province's economy.

What Happened

The reopening of the PEQ on July 2, 2026, is a direct result of the Quebec government's efforts to address the province's labor market needs. According to IRCC, the program will be open to new applications, and candidates who were previously eligible will be given priority. This move is expected to benefit Quebec immigration candidates who have been waiting for the program to reopen. The PEQ is designed for international students and temporary foreign workers who have gained experience in Quebec, and its reopening is a significant development in the province's immigration landscape. As stated in the IRCC announcement 2026, the program's reopening is part of Quebec's strategy to attract and retain skilled workers. The announcement was made on June 15, 2026, and the program will reopen on July 2, 2026.

Who Is Affected

International students and work permit holders in Quebec are among the groups affected by the reopening of the PEQ. For example, an international student who has completed a degree in Quebec and has been working in the province on a post-graduation work permit may be eligible to apply for the PEQ. Similarly, a work permit holder who has been working in Quebec for at least 12 months may also be eligible. Express Entry candidates who have been selected by Quebec through the PEQ may also benefit from the program's reopening. Permanent residents are not directly affected by this announcement, as the PEQ is a program for temporary residents who wish to apply for permanent residence. According to IRCC, the program's reopening will prioritize applicants who were eligible when it closed, which means that candidates who have been waiting for the program to reopen will be given priority.

What This Means in Plain English

The reopening of the PEQ means that eligible candidates will be able to apply for permanent residence in Quebec. If you are an international student who has completed a degree in Quebec and has been working in the province, this means you may be eligible to apply for the PEQ. For instance, if you applied for a work permit in March 2026, this means your wait time for permanent residence may be reduced. The PEQ is a significant program for Quebec immigration candidates, as it allows them to apply for permanent residence after gaining work experience in the province. According to the IRCC announcement 2026, the program's reopening is part of Quebec's strategy to attract and retain skilled workers. As stated in the announcement, the program will prioritize applicants who were eligible when it closed, which means that candidates who have been waiting for the program to reopen will be given priority.

Historical Context

The PEQ has been a key part of Quebec's immigration strategy for several years. According to IRCC, the program was first introduced in 2010, and it has undergone several changes since then. In 2020, the program was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has been closed ever since. The reopening of the PEQ on July 2, 2026, is a significant development in Quebec's immigration landscape. As stated in the IRCC announcement 2026, the program's reopening is part of Quebec's strategy to attract and retain skilled workers. The PEQ is similar to other provincial nominee programs in Canada, such as the Manitoba PNP, which has also been active in recent months. For example, the Manitoba PNP invited 100 candidates in its first draw of June 2026. The PEQ's reopening is a significant development in Quebec's immigration landscape, and it is expected to benefit many candidates who have been waiting for the program to reopen.

What to Do Right Now

Candidates who are eligible for the PEQ should review the program's eligibility criteria and application procedures to ensure they are prepared to apply when the program reopens on July 2, 2026. International students and work permit holders in Quebec should check their eligibility for the program and gather the necessary documents to apply. Express Entry candidates who have been selected by Quebec through the PEQ should also review their application and ensure they are prepared to proceed with the next steps. If you have questions about the PEQ or your eligibility, you can ask Ikovia your immigration question at https://ikovia.ca/signup. It is also a good idea to stay up to date with the latest news and developments on the PEQ, as the program's reopening is a significant development in Quebec's immigration landscape. Candidates can also refer to related articles, such as the one on Quebec extending special work permits to spouses of applicants for permanent selection, to get a better understanding of the program.

What to Expect Next

Based on the pattern of this announcement, it is likely that IRCC will continue to monitor the labor market needs of Quebec and make adjustments to the PEQ as necessary. There may be upcoming consultations or reviews of the program, which could lead to further changes or updates. However, according to IRCC, no specific details have been announced regarding future changes to the program. Candidates should stay informed about the latest developments and updates on the PEQ, as this will help them navigate the application process and ensure they are prepared for any changes that may occur.

How Ikovia Can Help

Ikovia can help candidates navigate the PEQ application process and provide guidance on eligibility and application procedures. Candidates can ask Ikovia their immigration question at https://ikovia.ca/signup and get personalized advice and guidance. Ikovia can also provide updates and news on the PEQ, as well as other Canadian immigration programs. Get personalized alerts when news like this affects your specific profile. Start free at Ikovia.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information is based on official IRCC announcements and may change. Always verify current requirements at canada.ca or consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).