Maple News reports that Quebec’s new Premier Christine Fréchette announced on May 5, during her inaugural address to the National Assembly, that the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) will be reopened for a two-year period. Details on the reopening—such as the exact start date, eligibility criteria, prioritization rules, or whether any changes will be made to the program—were not disclosed at this time.
PEQ formally closed on November 19, 2025 and had long been one of the province’s most-used pathways to permanent residence for international graduates of Quebec institutions and temporary foreign workers already in the province.
Fréchette framed the reopening as a measure that benefits those who already speak French and are integrated into Quebec society, stating that the province will respect immigration thresholds while providing as much predictability as possible for eligible applicants.
She also reiterated Quebec’s stance that the province’s overall capacity to welcome newcomers remains limited, signaling that any reopening will still operate within existing capacity constraints.
As the government outlines specifics in the coming weeks, applicants and employers will be watching closely for how the PEQ will operate in practice. Maple News will continue to monitor developments and provide practical guidance for those considering Quebec as a destination for study, work, or permanent settlement.