Quebec PEQ Is Back Until 2028: Who Qualifies and How PSTQ Invitations Will Change

Quebec has reinstated the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) from 2 July 2026 to 2 July 2028, but the first application window ran only from 2 July to 31 October 2026 and is now closed. Quebec's PEQ page, updated on 29 October 2026, says no decision has been taken on a new window. Meanwhile the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) keeps issuing invitations, and Quebec says they will resume in line with the number of PEQ applications from November. This guide explains who could apply, the French levels, what changes for PSTQ and what is still not confirmed.

What Quebec Reinstated

The 10 June 2026 release by Immigration Minister François Bonnardel said the PEQ would return from 2 July 2026 to 2 July 2028 as a temporary measure. Applications open in periods. The first opened at 8:30 a.m. on 2 July 2026 and closed on 31 October 2026. Quebec said all eligible applications received in that period would be processed. Family members can still be added or removed through a request.

On a second window, Quebec's statements do not match. The June release said additional windows will open before the programme ends. The Ministry's reopening PDF said new periods could open depending on the applications received by 31 October. The PEQ page updated on 29 October says no decision has been taken on a possible new period. Until Quebec says otherwise, treat the PEQ as closed.

Who Could Apply

The selection conditions are those that applied before the PEQ closed on 19 November 2025, with one change: the requirement to have studied in French was removed for graduates. A candidate needed a qualifying Quebec diploma or eligible work experience as of that date. Meeting the reception criteria alone could still lead to a refusal, because the full selection conditions also apply.

Accepted French tests are TCF-Québec, TCF-Canada, TCF, DALF, DELF, TEFAQ, TEF Canada and TEF, with results from the last 2 years.

What Changes for PSTQ Invitations

The PSTQ replaced the Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés (PRTQ) on 29 November 2024. Quebec manages PSTQ and PEQ against the same admission targets, so one affects the other:

• 2 July to 31 October 2026: PSTQ invitations were reduced and aimed mainly at people who could not use the PEQ, such as those in FEER 4 or 5 jobs or with under two years of work experience. On 3 July Quebec invited 501 candidates, about half in priority-sector occupations and half in FEER 4 or 5 jobs.
• From November 2026: invitations resume based on the number of PEQ applications received.
• After the PEQ ends: the PSTQ becomes the only route for the permanent selection of skilled workers again. Quebec intends to issue an equal number of selection certificates (CSQ) under both programmes for the rest of the planning period.

Quebec's releases give totals of 14,615 PSTQ invitations since December 2025 (10 June) and 13,240 since January 2026 (3 July). They do not give targets for the coming months.

The four PSTQ streams

All streams require applicants to be 18 or older, intend to settle in Quebec, show financial self-sufficiency and attest to Quebec values. Streams 1 to 3 require the spouse to have oral level 4. Our Quebec immigration guide covers the programme in more detail.

A Work Permit Measure for Invited PSTQ Candidates

IRCC has a measure for invited PSTQ principal applicants who submitted their permanent selection application and hold an employer-specific permit that expires on or before 31 December 2026, or that expired between 13 March and 31 December 2026. They need a new job offer from the same Quebec employer through the Employer Portal. No new LMIA or CAQ is required, the application must be made by 31 December 2026, and the permit can run up to 12 months. A spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit.

What This Means for Indian Applicants

• Plan for French first. Oral level 7 is a high bar if you have not studied French. Book a recognised test early, and remember results must be from the last 2 years.
• The reference date is fixed. If you gained your diploma or work experience after 19 November 2025, read the conditions pages carefully before assuming you qualify.
• If you missed the window, the PSTQ is the route open now. Recent rounds were aimed at priority-sector professions, people already living in Quebec and people who could not use the PEQ.
• Check permit dates. A permit that expires before a decision is a practical risk, so read the IRCC measure above.

What Is Not Confirmed

• Whether and when a second PEQ window will open.
• How many PEQ applications Quebec received by 31 October, and how that will change PSTQ invitation numbers.
• Processing times for PEQ applications, which I did not find on the pages checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PEQ open now?

No. The first window closed on 31 October 2026. The programme itself is reinstated until 2 July 2028, but Quebec has not announced a new window.

Will there be another window?

It is not confirmed. The June release said more windows will open, the Ministry's PDF said they could, and the 29 October PEQ page says no decision has been taken.

What French level does the PEQ need?

Oral level 7 for workers. Graduates need oral level 7 and written level 5. A spouse needs oral level 4.

Do graduates still need to have studied in French?

No. The requirement to have completed French-language study programmes was removed in the reinstated Quebec graduates stream.

How do PSTQ invitations change?

They were reduced during the PEQ window and aimed mainly at people who could not use the PEQ. From November 2026 they resume based on the number of PEQ applications received.

Can I add my spouse or children to a PEQ application?

Quebec says requests to add or remove family members are still possible. A spouse needs oral French level 4.