Quebec Immigration Overhaul: PEQ & Pilot Closures by 2025

Quebec Is Closing Major Immigration Pathways: What It Means for International Students and Workers

If you’ve been considering immigrating to Quebec, especially through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), there are some important changes on the horizon. Whether you’re an international student or a temporary foreign worker, it’s time to take note — the Quebec government is shutting down some of its most popular routes to permanent residence.

Let’s break down what’s changing, who’s affected, and what your options are moving forward.

Key Highlights

• The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) will officially end on November 19, 2025.
• This includes the closure of both the Quebec Graduates and Temporary Foreign Workers streams.
• Three immigration pilot programs will also close by January 1, 2026.
• The only pathway remaining for skilled workers in Quebec will be the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).
• Already submitted applications will still be reviewed and processed.
• Quebec’s new immigration targets focus more on current temporary residents already living in the province.

Quebec to Phase Out the PEQ by 2025

On November 6, 2025, Quebec’s government announced it would be permanently closing the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) — a move that has significant implications for international graduates and temporary foreign workers in the province.

PEQ has long served as a popular fast-track to permanent residence for two main groups:

• Quebec Graduates: International students who completed eligible programs in Quebec.
• Temporary Foreign Workers: Those with valid work experience in the province.

These streams were paused in October 2024 and were initially set to resume in mid-2025. However, the province has now confirmed that both streams will officially end by November 19, 2025.

Other Immigration Pilot Programs Also Ending

In addition to closing the PEQ, Quebec will be wrapping up its three permanent immigration pilot programs on January 1, 2026. These programs were designed to target specific labour market needs and include:

• Workers in food processing
• Orderlies in the healthcare sector
• Workers in artificial intelligence, IT, and visual effects

As of now, most of these pilot streams have already reached their intake caps. Only one — the Francophone profile within the AI stream — is still accepting applications until December 31, 2025.

What Happens to Submitted Applications?

If you’ve already submitted your application under either the PEQ or one of the pilot programs, don’t panic — your file will still be reviewed. According to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), all pending applications will continue to be processed as usual.

This also applies to adding family members — such as spouses or dependent children — to existing applications. These additions will still be accepted and reviewed by the ministry.

Your Main Option Now: The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

With the closure of the PEQ and the pilot programs, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) will become the primary pathway for skilled immigrants looking to settle in Quebec permanently.

This point-based program requires candidates to first submit a Declaration of Interest through Quebec’s Arrima portal. Profiles are then evaluated and ranked based on multiple criteria. Those who meet Quebec’s labour market needs and score high enough are invited to apply for permanent selection.

PSTQ Offers Four Streams:

• Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills
• Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skills
• Stream 3: Regulated professions
• Stream 4: Exceptional talent

General PSTQ Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for PSTQ, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Plan to work and live in Quebec (not self-employed in restricted sectors)
• Be capable of performing the job duties in your field
• Show financial independence for the first three months after arrival
• Obtain an Attestation of Learning about Quebec’s Democratic Values (for yourself and any family members)
• Meet any specific conditions that led to your selection invitation

Note: You can’t apply if your intended job is in a sector like payday loans, adult entertainment, or cheque cashing, or if you’re planning to work for a business you own or control.

Quebec’s New Immigration Goals for 2025 and Beyond

The province also unveiled its updated Immigration Levels Plan for 2025, which targets the admission of 45,000 new permanent residents. Interestingly, the province aims for 64% of these newcomers to already be living in Quebec as temporary residents — such as temporary foreign workers and international students.

Looking ahead to 2026, Quebec plans to welcome up to:

• 55,700 temporary foreign workers
• 68,500 international students

This marks the first time the province has set formal admission targets for these groups, signaling a stronger focus on retaining temporary residents already contributing to Quebec’s economy and communities.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Do Next?

With these major changes coming, now is a critical time to reassess your immigration plans if Quebec is your preferred destination. The closure of the PEQ and pilot programs narrows the pathways available — but options still exist through the PSTQ and other provincial programs outside Quebec.

If you’re open to exploring opportunities in other provinces, programs like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) might be worth looking into. Each province offers its own immigration streams tailored to local labour market needs.

Not sure where to start? Whether you’re a student, a skilled worker, or already in Canada on a temporary visa, it’s a good idea to speak with a licensed immigration consultant or do your research on provincial nominee programs across Canada.

Take the Next Step

Ready to explore your options beyond the PEQ? Check out our guides on permanent residence programs in other provinces, or start by reviewing the Skilled Worker Selection Program requirements in more detail.

Don’t wait — immigration pathways are always evolving, and timing can make all the difference.