Québec Ends Popular PR Pathway — Major Impact on Foreign Students and Workers

Changing Times

The government of Quebec has come up with a radical step of closing down its much-favored Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ), which was the easiest way of getting permanent residency for international students and temporary foreign workers. As of November 19, 2025, the worker and student streams of the PEQ will not be open for new applications anymore.

The hand of closure has been applied to immigration by the Quebec government, which is now targeting the Skilled Worker Selection Program as the topmost pathway to permanent residency.

Significance

The cessation of PEQ is a seismic transformation for both international students and skilled workers who were planning to enter Quebec through this expedited route. Starting from 2026, a ceiling of 45,000 permanent residents will be set for Quebec, which will result in a tightening of the applicant pool. One of the major criteria for the new system will be the French-language skill, along with work experience, studies, and the region’s labor market demands.

Effects on Applicants

All those who have submitted their applications under PEQ will see their cases settled with the old guidelines, irrespective of the time factor. The pathway to new applicants is that of PSTQ, which has tougher qualifications and longer waiting periods.

The students who are currently learning in Quebec and the temporary workers employed in the province should check their eligibility under the PSTQ and start early preparations, especially in case their French language skills need enhancing.

What Can You Do Now

Check your immigration strategy—PEQ-based tactics need immediate updates.
Develop your French-speaking skills and gain employment experience in Quebec to remain in demand.
Look into other options for Canadian PR, such as Express Entry, PNPs, or employer-sponsored pathways in different provinces.

Final Message

The abandonment of the PEQ program by Quebec is a major event in the immigration policy of the province. It will be a struggle for the new ones, but at the same time, it will be easier for those who are well-versed in the local living and working conditions to get through.

We at Abhinav Immigration Services offer to help in scrutinizing your profile, locating other PR options in Canada, and leading you through the right strategy to achieve your permanent residency in a streamlined way.

Immediate action is required—the sooner you transition, the higher your chances of securing your spot in Canada successfully.