Quebec reinstates fast-track immigration pathway for 2 years
The province is reopening the Quebec Experience Program on July 2, allowing between 8,000 and 12,000 eligible workers a clearer path to permanent residency.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Quebec is bringing back its fast-track permanent residency program for two years, starting July 2.
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) closed last November but Premier Christine Fréchette promised to reinstate it. Eligible workers who met the requirements on November 19, 2025 can now apply during the first window, which runs until October 31.
Immigration Minister François Bonnardel said between 8,000 and 12,000 people will qualify — far lower than the ministry's earlier estimate of 125,000. He attributed the revised number to better clarity about the eligibility period.
A second application period will follow with different criteria still being determined. There's no cap on how many can apply, which differs from previous iterations of the program.
The reinstatement addresses a gap that frustrated both immigrant workers and employers who relied on the PEQ as a route to permanent residency. Montréal's tech and healthcare sectors have been particularly vocal about needing the pathway back.