PEQ reopening confirmed: applications open July 2, 2026 for two years

The temporary reopening restores both PEQ streams after the program ended on November 19, 2025. Quebec has published separate reception criteria for the first window, while the program's selection conditions remain applicable to every file.

Key dates

• June 10, 2026: official announcement of the PEQ reactivation for two years.
• July 2, 2026, 8:30 a.m.: applications open in Arrima.
• October 31, 2026: end of the first application window.
• Subsequent phases will be announced by the ministry over the two-year reopening.

Who can submit during the first window

For a file to be received between July 2 and October 31, 2026, the applicant must meet one of the reception criteria published by Quebec. Meeting a reception criterion does not replace the full selection conditions for the relevant stream:

• Quebec graduates stream: an eligible Quebec bachelor's, master's, doctorate, technical college diploma, or qualifying vocational diploma of at least 1,800 hours obtained by November 19, 2025.
• Temporary foreign workers stream: at least two years of eligible Quebec work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation by November 19, 2025.
• The program's full selection conditions, including the applicable French-language requirements, must also be satisfied.

No cap, but no room for mistakes

Quebec's rules page confirms that the first PEQ window has no application cap. It still closes on October 31, 2026, and every file is assessed against the applicable selection conditions.

No cap does not mean no requirements. A PEQ application refused over a non-compliant French attestation, poorly documented work experience or a misclassified diploma is still a refusal, and reprocessing delays can make you miss the window. Quality at first submission is decisive.

What to prepare now

• Proof of French: an accepted test result (TEF, TCF, TEFAQ) at oral level 7 or higher, less than two years old, or a recognized diploma. This is the step that takes the longest if you have not tested yet.
• Graduates: official diploma and transcripts from your Quebec institution.
• Workers: detailed employment letters (dates, hours, duties), pay stubs and records of employment covering the reference period.
• Status in Quebec: valid work or study permit and proof of residence in Quebec.
• Arrima account: create or reactivate your account and confirm the current filing instructions before submitting.

PEQ or PSTQ: which route now

The PEQ reopening does not replace the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). The two programs use different eligibility and selection mechanisms: PEQ files are assessed against the applicable program conditions, while PSTQ candidates first enter Arrima and may receive a targeted invitation.

If you do not meet the first-window PEQ reception criteria, the PSTQ is the route to examine now: an expression of interest in Arrima, a ranking under the 1,400-point grid and targeted invitations. Quebec has also stated that later PEQ reception periods may allow new applicants before July 2028. Start by calculating your score with our free PSTQ calculator based on the official grid.

Get your file assessed before submitting

SOS Hub Canada's immigration services are supervised by a regulated Canadian immigration consultant. Our team can review the published reception criteria, French and work-experience evidence, and the documents needed for an Arrima submission. We serve clients in English and French.

Official sources

• Quebec.ca: PEQ program, reception criteria and selection-condition links
• Quebec.ca: immigration rules, application window and cap
• Quebec government announcement of June 10, 2026