PEQ Reopening in 2026: An Opportunity for Tech Professionals in Quebec

The Quebec government has announced the temporary reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for a two-year period, from July 2, 2026 to July 2, 2028 (source: Government of Quebec). This is major news for temporary foreign tech professionals working in Quebec. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is the PEQ?

The Quebec Experience Program is a permanent immigration program that allows temporary foreign workers and international graduates with Quebec experience to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), the first step toward Canadian permanent residence.

The PEQ was suspended on November 19, 2025. Its reopening on July 2, 2026 offers an accelerated path to permanent residence, with targeted processing times of 6 months for the CSQ, compared to 12 to 18 months in regular programs (source: Liberty Immigration).

Timeline and Application Periods

The first application reception period runs from July 2 to October 31, 2026. Applications will be accepted on the Arrima portal starting at 8:30 AM, Montreal time, on July 2, 2026 (source: Government of Quebec).

Important: there is no cap on the number of applications accepted during this period. Each eligible application will be reviewed by MIFI immigration officers (source: MIFI).

New reception periods may be opened until July 2028.

The Two PEQ Streams

Quebec Graduates Stream

To be eligible, you must have obtained, before November 19, 2025, one of the following diplomas from a Quebec institution:

• Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree
• Technical college diploma (DEC)
• Professional studies diploma (DEP) of at least 1,800 hours, alone or followed by a professional specialization attestation (ASP)

The diploma must have been obtained within 3 years preceding the application (source: Government of Quebec).

Temporary Foreign Workers Stream

To be eligible, you must:

• Have accumulated at least 24 months of full-time work experience in Quebec over the last 36 months, in a position classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 under the National Occupational Classification (NOC), as of November 19, 2025
• Hold an eligible job at the time of application

(source: MIFI)

Why This Is a Major Opportunity for Tech Professionals

Technology occupations are among those most directly concerned by the PEQ. Tech profession NOC codes all fall under TEER 1 (university education), making them automatically eligible for the Workers stream:

• NOC 21232: Software developers and programmers (source: Statistics Canada)
• NOC 21231: Software engineers and designers
• NOC 21211: Data scientists and analysts
• NOC 21222: Information systems specialists
• NOC 21311: Computer engineers
• NOC 21223: Database analysts and administrators
• NOC 21234: Web developers and designers
• NOC 20012: Computer and information systems managers

With over 150,000 job vacancies in Quebec (source: Job Bank) and a critical shortage in the tech sector, the PEQ is a lever to stabilize talent already integrated into the Quebec market.

French Requirement: Level 7

All PEQ candidates must demonstrate oral French proficiency at level 7 on the Quebec French Proficiency Scale, approximately equivalent to B2 on the CEFR or CLB 7 (source: Limaj Immigration).

Accepted tests include TEF Canada, TCF Canada, and TEFaQ. We recommend taking the test as early as possible, as spots fill up quickly as application periods approach.

Steps After the CSQ

Obtaining the CSQ through the PEQ is only the first step. The complete path to permanent residence:

1. PEQ application via Arrima: submission between July 2 and October 31, 2026
2. CSQ issuance: targeted timeline of 6 months (source: Liberty Immigration)
3. Federal permanent residence application: submission to IRCC with the CSQ
4. Permanent residence: additional 6 to 8 months

In total, expect approximately 12 to 14 months between PEQ application submission and obtaining permanent residence.

Advice for Quebec Tech Companies

If you employ temporary foreign workers in tech roles, the PEQ reopening is excellent news for your retention. An employee who obtains permanent residence is a stabilized employee, free to change employers certainly, but also freed from the uncertainty of temporary status.

We recommend employers:

• Identify PEQ-eligible employees on your teams
• Inform them about the reopening and timelines
• Offer support (time for procedures, administrative assistance)
• Plan for work permit renewal needs during processing

VALO Supports Tech Professionals in Their Journey

At VALO, we recruit tech professionals for permanent positions in Quebec. We understand the realities of temporary foreign workers and international graduates. Our role is to connect you with employers who value your expertise and support your immigration journey.

Check our tech job listings to find a permanent position in Quebec. To optimize your resume and prepare for interviews, discover Steppia, our career preparation partner.

Read also: Immigration and Tech Employment in Quebec: Complete Guide | Work Permits in Canada: Guide for Tech Professionals