Major Immigration Update: Quebec Suspends PEQ – What Are Your Next Steps?

Quebec Halts PEQ-Worker Stream Until Late 2025

In a major shift to its immigration policy, Quebec has officially paused the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) – Worker Stream until November 30, 2025. This decision leaves many foreign workers and international graduates—who once considered the PEQ their fastest route to Canadian permanent residency (PR)—scrambling for alternatives.

But here’s the good news: you still have several strong pathways to pursue permanent residency, both within Quebec and across other Canadian provinces and federal programs. Below is your complete guide to understanding your updated options.

Quebec’s Replacement: The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

The PSTQ (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) is now Quebec’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers. It’s divided into four distinct streams, each tailored for different profiles.

Stream 1: Specialized Professionals in High-Demand Fields

Ideal For: Highly educated, experienced professionals in skilled occupations (TEER 0–2).
Key Criteria:

• 1 year of full-time work experience within the last 5 years
• French: Oral NCLC 7+, Written NCLC 5+
• A diploma or degree of at least 900 hours or 30 credits
• No license required to practice in Quebec

Stream 2: Semi-Skilled and Manual Workers

Ideal For: Workers in TEER 3–5 trades or manual jobs
Key Criteria:

• 2 years of work experience in the last 5 years
• French: Spoken NCLC 5+, Spouse NCLC 4+
• At least 600 hours of training (high school or college level)
• 1 year of experience must be from Quebec

Stream 3: Licensed Regulated Professionals

Ideal For: Nurses, engineers, electricians, and other regulated occupations
Key Criteria:

• Valid license or authorization to work in Quebec
• French: Varies by TEER level (min. CLB 5 or 7)
• Must have full or partial recognition from a Quebec regulator

Stream 4: Exceptional Talent

Ideal For: Artists, athletes, researchers, or entrepreneurs with standout achievements
Key Criteria:

• 3 years of relevant work in the last 5 years
• Endorsement from a Quebec ministry partner (CALQ, INS, FRQ, MEIE)
• Proof of impactful contributions to Quebec society

Outside Quebec? Explore Federal and Provincial Alternatives

With Quebec’s PEQ now on pause, provinces like Ontario and New Brunswick, as well as Canada’s federal immigration programs, are stepping up as top options.

Federal Express Entry: Fast-Track PR for Skilled Workers

Express Entry remains a highly accessible route, especially for those with:

• Canadian education
• Canadian work experience
• French proficiency

Programs include:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 1 year of Canadian work experience
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 1 year of work (foreign or Canadian) + 67 points on selection grid
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): 2 years of skilled trades work + job offer or qualification certificate

French speakers especially benefit from low CRS score cutoffs in language-based draws.

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Regional Pathways with Strong PR Success Rates

New Brunswick’s Express Entry Streams

• Employment in NB: Must be working full-time for a local employer
• NB Interests Stream: Open to candidates with ties to NB or French speakers in in-demand NOCs

Ontario’s Nominee Programs

• Human Capital Priorities Stream: For skilled workers under Express Entry
• Skilled Trades Stream: For tradespeople living and working in Ontario
• REDI Pilot: Supports job offers in small-town Ontario (Lanark, Sarnia-Lambton, etc.)

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Emerging Alternatives: Atlantic & Rural Programs

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Employer-driven PR program in Atlantic Canada
• 1 year of work experience + job offer from a designated employer
• French and English speakers welcome

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP/RCIP)

• Targeted at filling rural labour shortages
• Work experience and job offer required
• Special exemptions for international graduates

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Bonus for Francophones: Exclusive PR Pilots

French speakers gain access to exclusive federal pathways:

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)

• Job offer from designated employer in Francophone community
• CLB/NCLC 5+ in French
• Exemptions available for international graduates

Francophone Student-to-PR Stream (FMCSP)

• Study at a participating Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Direct PR pathway after graduation
• Must apply from outside Canada with strong French skills

Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

• Must qualify under CEC or FSWP
• French CLB 7+, English CLB 6+
• Must plan to live in Ontario

What to Do Next

If you were planning to apply for the PEQ but haven’t done so yet, now is the time to:

1. Assess your eligibility for the PSTQ or Express Entry.
2. Get your documents ready, including language tests and credential evaluations.
3. Explore job offers in provinces with high nomination potential (NB, ON, Atlantic).
4. Consult an immigration advisor if needed—many streams have nuanced criteria.

Final Word

While Quebec’s PEQ suspension may feel like a setback, it’s also a pivot point. With federal and provincial immigration systems offering diverse, flexible, and often faster pathways—especially for bilingual candidates—your Canadian dream is still very much alive.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!