PEQ Suspended: Top Canadian Immigration Options Now

What Are My Immigration Options Now That the PEQ Is Suspended?

If you were planning to apply for permanent residence (PR) through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), you might be wondering what your next steps should be. On June 5, 2024, Quebec officially paused the worker stream of the PEQ until November 30, 2025. But don’t worry — there are still plenty of other pathways to PR, both in Quebec and across Canada.

In this post, we’ll walk you through your options — from Quebec’s revised Skilled Worker program to federal Express Entry, and even provincial nominee programs (PNPs) in neighbouring provinces like Ontario and New Brunswick. Let’s break it down.

Key Highlights

• The PEQ worker stream is paused until November 30, 2025.
• Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is a strong alternative.
• Federal options like Express Entry (CEC, FSWP, FSTP) remain open to eligible candidates.
• Provincial streams in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada offer excellent pathways.
• French-speaking applicants have access to exclusive immigration pilots outside Quebec.
• Many programs favour applicants with Canadian work or study experience and French skills.

Why the PEQ Suspension Matters

The PEQ worker stream was a go-to route for international graduates and skilled workers already living in Quebec. With its streamlined eligibility and quicker processing, it was especially popular among those with strong French skills and local experience. However, with the pause now in effect, foreign nationals need to consider alternative options for permanent residency.

Option 1: Stay in Quebec — Try the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is the province’s main pathway to PR now that the PEQ is on hold. The PSTQ runs on an Expression of Interest (EOI) model through a platform called Arrima, which invites top-scoring candidates to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

PSTQ Streams

The PSTQ is split into four streams:

• Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills — For candidates with recent work experience in professional roles (FÉER/TEER 0, 1, 2).
• Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skills — For people in trades or manual work (FÉER/TEER 3, 4, 5) with at least 2 years of experience.
• Stream 3: Regulated professions — For those licensed or authorized to work in regulated fields within Quebec.
• Stream 4: Exceptional talent — For individuals with recognized accomplishments in arts, sports, research, or strategic economic sectors.

All Quebec immigration candidates must also complete a values attestation and sign a financial self-sufficiency contract.

Option 2: Settle Outside Quebec — Federal Immigration Pathways

If you’re open to moving to another Canadian province, there are robust federal immigration programs to consider under the Express Entry system.

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Perfect for those with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. This could be your golden ticket if you’ve already worked in Quebec, even though Express Entry is for candidates intending to live outside of Quebec.

2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Ideal for foreign nationals with skilled experience abroad. You must meet criteria for work experience, language skills (CLB 7 or higher), education, and score at least 67 points on the FSWP selection grid.

3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

If you’ve worked in a skilled trade for at least two years within the last five, this could be a match — especially if you hold a certificate of qualification or a valid Canadian job offer.

See your eligibility for all Express Entry streams

Option 3: Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) can be a fantastic alternative, especially in provinces neighbouring Quebec — like Ontario and New Brunswick. These programs often prioritize candidates who have Canadian experience, French language ability, or job offers in in-demand occupations.

New Brunswick PNP Streams

• Employment in New Brunswick — For people already working full-time in NB in a TEER 0-3 role.
• New Brunswick Express Entry: Interests — For Express Entry candidates with a strong connection to the province.

New Brunswick is particularly appealing for French-speaking candidates, as it’s Canada’s only officially bilingual province. You can explore your score through our Manitoba PNP points calculator to get a sense of your competitiveness.

Ontario PNP Streams

• Human Capital Priorities — For skilled workers with a profile in the Express Entry system and strong education/work experience.
• Skilled Trades Stream — For tradespeople with work history in Ontario.
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream — Tailored to bilingual candidates with strong French and English skills.
• REDI Pilot — A regional initiative supporting immigration to smaller Ontario communities like Sarnia-Lambton and Thunder Bay.

Option 4: Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Looking to move east? The Atlantic Immigration Program helps employers in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador hire foreign nationals. If you have a job offer from a designated employer and meet the language (CLB 4 or 5) and education requirements, this could be your path.

Recent graduates of Atlantic post-secondary institutions may qualify without work experience. It’s a flexible and community-focused program worth exploring!

Option 5: Pathways for French-Speaking Applicants Outside Quebec

If you’re fluent in French, you have a few exclusive options outside Quebec:

• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) — French speakers with a job offer in one of six designated communities.
• Francophone Minority Community Student Pilot (FMCSP) — For students from eligible countries studying in French and seeking PR afterward.
• Ontario’s French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream — For bilingual candidates in the Express Entry pool.

These programs are designed to support Canada’s goal of strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec.

Final Thoughts

While the PEQ suspension is certainly a curveball for many hopeful immigrants, it’s not the end of the road. Whether you plan to stay in Quebec or are open to exploring new provinces, there are still plenty of immigration pathways available — and many favour candidates with the very experience and education you likely already have.

What’s next? Start by seeing which programs you may be eligible for. Explore your CRS score, compare PNP options, and consider your language strengths — especially if you’re bilingual.

Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams and take the next step toward your Canadian immigration journey today.