The Quebec government announced on June 10 that the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) will be reinstated for a two‑year period, with new admission applications to be processed in phases beginning July 2, 2026.
Premier François Fréchette confirmed that the program, which had been cancelled amid controversy, will resume operations for the specified two‑year term. The phased rollout is scheduled to start on the first day of July, allowing the government to manage intake gradually.
The decision restores a pathway that previously allowed certain foreign workers and international students to obtain Quebec residency more quickly. By reopening the PEQ, authorities aim to provide a structured mechanism for immigration admissions while addressing the gaps created by the earlier suspension.
The two‑year timeframe sets a clear horizon for the program’s operation, after which the government will assess its impact and decide on any further extensions or modifications. Officials indicated that the phased approach will help monitor demand and ensure processing capacity aligns with available resources.
The reinstatement, effective July 2, 2026, marks the first time the PEQ will be active again since its cancellation, and the government expects the phased admissions to begin promptly under the new schedule.
Under the phased system, applications received after the July 2 start date will be grouped and reviewed in successive batches. This method is intended to spread the workload across the two‑year period, giving immigration officials time to evaluate each case thoroughly.
The government’s announcement comes as part of broader efforts to regulate immigration flows into the province. By reactivating the PEQ, officials aim to provide a predictable channel for qualified candidates while maintaining control over the overall number of newcomers.