Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Quebec to Close Popular Immigration Programs by End of 2025
Imagine Quebec has a few different ways for people to move there to live and work.
Some ways are for students who finish school in Quebec, and others are for temporary workers.
The government has decided to close these popular ways, called the PEQ and some special pilot programs, by the end of 2025.
They are doing this to make the immigration system simpler and have just one main way for skilled workers to apply.
This new main way is called the PSTQ.
People who have already applied to the old programs will still have their applications processed.
Quebec also plans to welcome a certain number of new people in 2025 and has set targets for temporary workers and students for the following year.
The goal is to make sure the people coming to Quebec have the skills the province needs and will learn to speak French.
Quebec is permanently closing its popular Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and three immigration pilot programs.
The PEQ's two main streams will officially end on November 19, 2025, with applications already submitted still being processed.
Pilot programs targeting food processing, orderlies, and AI/IT/VFX sectors will conclude by January 1, 2026.
The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) will become the province's sole permanent immigration pathway for skilled workers.
Quebec maintains a 2025 immigration target of 45,000 new permanent residents, with a focus on integrating temporary residents already in the province.
- Who
- The Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI)
- What
- Announced the permanent closure of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and several immigration pilot programs, shifting to a single skilled worker system (PSTQ).
- When
- PEQ streams close November 19, 2025; pilot programs conclude January 1, 2026.
- Where
- Quebec, Canada
- Why
- To streamline immigration, centralize the framework, and better align with labor market demands and French language integration.
Government Rationale
Potential Concerns
Streamlining Immigration
Government Rationale
The government aims to centralize and simplify its immigration system under a single skilled worker program (PSTQ) for better alignment with labor market needs and French language integration.
Potential Concerns
Concerns may arise regarding the transition period for applicants and whether the new PSTQ effectively addresses the diverse needs previously met by the PEQ and pilot programs.
Focus on Skilled Workers
Government Rationale
The shift emphasizes a targeted approach to skilled immigration, ensuring that newcomers possess qualifications aligned with Quebec's labor market demands.
Potential Concerns
There could be worries about reduced pathways for certain types of temporary foreign workers or international graduates who may not fit neatly into the new PSTQ streams.
- PEQ Closure Date
- November 19, 2025
- Pilot Programs End Date
- January 1, 2026
- New Primary Pathway
- Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
- 2025 Immigration Target
- 45,000 new permanent residents
- Temporary Resident Targets (2026)
- 55,700 foreign workers, 68,500 international students
- Application Portal
- Arrima