Maple News reports that the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)—a key pathway to permanent residence (PR) for many foreign workers—has been temporarily suspended. As of June 5, 2024, Quebec’s immigration ministry has paused new applications through the PEQ worker stream until November 30, 2025. While this disruption may feel disheartening to some, aspiring immigrants still have several viable options for achieving PR in Canada, both within and outside Quebec.
For those committed to settling in Quebec, the Provincial Skilled Worker Selection Program (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés du Québec, or PSTQ) remains operational. This program offers four distinct pathways tailored to different qualification levels:
1. Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills: Targeted at experts in TEER levels 0, 1, or 2, requiring one year of work experience within the last five years. Strong French language proficiency and a relevant one-year diploma are also necessary.
2. Intermediate and Manual Skills: Designed for skilled trades, this stream demands at least two years of paid work experience and moderate spoken French skills.
3. Regulated Professions: For candidates practicing regulated occupations, such as healthcare or law, Quebec requires professional licensing or authorization to work in the province.
4. Exceptional Talent: Reserved for individuals who can demonstrate outstanding expertise in their field, backed by a track record of excellence or formal recognition from Quebec authorities.
All Quebec candidates must sign a values attestation form, confirming their understanding and acceptance of core Quebec societal values.
If you’re open to relocating outside of Quebec, Canada provides numerous other PR routes through the federal and provincial systems, such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These streams often prioritize applicants with in-demand skills, Canadian work experience, or post-secondary education completed in Canada.
Express Entry remains the most comprehensive and flexible pathway for economic immigrants, integrating three federal programs—the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Each weighs factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
PNPs, on the other hand, are designed to meet specific regional labour market needs across Canada’s provinces and territories. Many PNPs align with Express Entry for faster PR processing times, while others operate separately with varying eligibility requirements.
While the PEQ worker stream’s suspension may reshape immigration planning for some, Maple News emphasizes that Canada still offers strong, diverse opportunities to skilled workers and graduates ready to build a future here.