Quebec Overhauls Immigration System as PEQ Is Abolished, Sparking Widespread Backlash
Quebec’s decision to abolish the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) and replace it with a new, more restrictive selection model is drawing strong criticism from immigration experts, municipalities, labour groups, and opposition parties across the province.
The changes, confirmed by Quebec’s immigration ministry in late 2025, introduce the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) as the primary pathway for economic immigrants seeking permanent residence. While the government says the overhaul will better align immigration with labour shortages, critics argue it leaves thousands of already-established newcomers in uncertainty.
What Was the PEQ and Why Did It Matter?
The PEQ was a well-known pathway allowing international students and temporary foreign workers with strong French-language skills to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) — a required step before applying for Canadian permanent residence.
Eligibility under the PEQ was limited but predictable:
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Applicants needed advanced French proficiency
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Work experience had to be in eligible sectors
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Most applicants required at least two years of Quebec-based experience
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Spouses were also required to demonstrate French ability
While selective, immigration professionals widely viewed the PEQ as transparent and stable, making outcomes easier for applicants to anticipate.
Over time, Quebec narrowed the list of eligible occupations before fully abolishing the program in November 2025.
Why the PSTQ Is So Controversial
Under the new system, candidates must submit an expression of interest through Arrima, Quebec’s online immigration portal. Invitations are issued monthly using a points-based model tied to evolving government priorities.
For 2026, Quebec is prioritizing:
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Applicants living outside Montreal and Laval
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Workers in health care, education, and construction
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Individuals who completed studies in Quebec
The province plans to select approximately 29,000 economic immigrants this year, primarily through the PSTQ. The first round of invitations, issued in January 2026, included just over 2,500 candidates, with more than 64% living outside Montreal and Laval.
Despite these priorities, municipalities and business groups argue the PSTQ lacks the clarity of the PEQ and risks discouraging long-term integration.
Impact on Health-Care Workers and Employers
The abolition of the PEQ has raised significant concern for Quebec’s health-care system. According to provincial data, more than 6,300 health-care workers in Quebec are temporary foreign workers, many of whose permits are set to expire by the end of 2026.
Roughly half of these workers are based in Montreal.
Unions and opposition parties warn that without a predictable pathway to permanent residence, Quebec risks losing essential workers, potentially disrupting hospital and long-term care services.
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge has stated that health-care workers will receive PSTQ invitations before year’s end and that Quebec is in discussions with Ottawa to ensure work permits are extended in the interim.
Federal–Provincial Tensions Over Work Permits
Quebec has blamed federal delays for growing uncertainty among temporary residents. However, immigration lawyers note that provincial restrictions — including past moratoriums on permit renewals in Montreal and Laval for lower-income workers have contributed to processing challenges.
In a statement to CBC News, the office of federal Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab emphasized that Quebec retains full control over the selection of its economic immigrants and confirmed that individuals holding Quebec selection certificates may apply for work permit extensions.
Why Protests Continue Across Quebec
Demonstrations against the abolition of the PEQ have taken place in multiple cities, with protesters arguing that:
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PEQ applicants are already living, working, and contributing in Quebec
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Granting limited exemptions would not increase pressure on housing or public services
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The policy shift risks long-term economic and demographic consequences
Opposition parties and mayors, including those in regional communities, continue to call for transitional measures for so-called “PEQ orphans.”
Important Notice
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules may change, and individuals should consult official Quebec and federal government sources or licensed immigration professionals for personalized guidance.
