Canada: Quebec to end Permanent Residence pathway for foreign workers and international student graduates

Quebec has announced the closure of its Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), one of the province’s most sought-after routes to permanent residence for temporary foreign workers and international graduates. The decision, revealed on November 6, marks a major shift in Quebec’s immigration framework.
PEQ streams to end by November 2025
The two main PEQ streams, the Quebec Graduates Stream and the Temporary Foreign Workers’ Stream, will officially close on November 19, 2025. Both streams have been on hold since October 2024. The suspension, initially set to end in June 2025, was extended until November 30, 2025, before the government confirmed their permanent closure.

Quebec has also stated that its three permanent immigration pilot programs, for workers in food processing, orderlies, and the artificial intelligence, IT, and visual effects sectors, will end on January 1, 2026, as scheduled.

Once these programs close, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) will become the only available pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Quebec.

Existing applications to be processed
The Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) confirmed that all PEQ and pilot program applications already submitted will continue to be processed. Applications to add family members, such as spouses and dependent children, will also remain open for those already selected under these programs.

Within the pilot programs, only the Francophone profile of the artificial intelligence stream remains open to new applicants until December 31, 2025. Other streams have already reached their intake limits.

New focus on Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

Foreign nationals aiming to settle permanently in Quebec must now declare their interest through Arrima, the province’s online immigration platform, under the PSTQ. Profiles in the Arrima pool are ranked, and invitations are issued based on Quebec’s labour market needs and scoring criteria.

The PSTQ includes four streams:

• Highly qualified and specialized skills
• Intermediate and manual skills
• Regulated professions
• Exceptional talent

Applicants must be at least 18, intend to live and work in Quebec, prove financial self-sufficiency for the first three months, and obtain an Attestation of Learning about Quebec Democratic Values.

Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Targets
The province also tabled its new Immigration Levels Plan on November 6, setting a target of 45,000 new permanent residents for 2025. Of these, 64% of economic admissions are expected to come from temporary residents already in Quebec.

For the first time, the government also introduced targets for temporary residents, planning to admit up to 55,700 foreign workers and 68,500 international students in 2026.