Québec PEQ Ends November 19, 2025: New Francophone Options for Students and Workers
Québec has announced that the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) will officially end on November 19, 2025. This represents a major shift for international students and temporary foreign workers who had planned to transition to permanent residence through Québec’s long-standing experience-based pathway.
For hundreds of applicants each year, the PEQ provided a predictable route to permanent residence. With its termination, applicants who were relying on the program must reassess their plans immediately and explore alternative pathways both federally and in other provinces.
Although the PEQ is ending, many candidates still have strong pathways to permanent residence. The most promising strategies now lie outside Québec, where federal and provincial programs offer clear selection criteria and, for French-speaking applicants, significant advantages.
Applicants should consider whether relocating to another province will create a stronger, faster, and more predictable pathway to permanent residence.
A major alternative to Québec pathways, this LMIA-exempt work permit allows French-speaking applicants to work anywhere in Canada outside Québec. It offers:
- No LMIA requirement
- Faster processing
- Access to skilled work needed for Express Entry and PNP eligibility
- A direct route to accumulating CRS-boosting Canadian work experience
French-speaking candidates enjoy dedicated rounds of invitations with lower CRS thresholds. This can significantly accelerate the PR process.
Francophone-Focused PNP Streams
Several provinces prioritize or give additional points to francophone applicants, including:
- Ontario
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Manitoba
- Alberta
These programs provide strong PR opportunities for those willing to relocate.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
Launching nationally, the pilot supports immigration to francophone minority communities outside Québec. It provides a structured route to PR for qualified French-speaking applicants seeking to live and work in designated regions.
Why Immediate Reassessment Matters
Your eligibility now depends on several factors:
- Your study or work ties to Québec
- Whether you are currently employed by a Québec employer
- Your French and English language levels
- Whether your occupation falls under in-demand categories in other provinces
- Your remaining status validity and timing for relocation
If your temporary status, employment, or studies are tied to Québec, you may need to transition strategically to another province to preserve your long-term immigration goals.
The earlier you evaluate your options, the more choices you will have.
What You Should Do Next
Every applicant’s situation is unique. Your optimal pathway depends on your:
- Status expiry date
- Work authorization
- Employer location
- Language ability
- Skilled work experience
- Willingness to relocate
A thorough review is essential before making changes, especially for those currently in Québec on study permits, PGWPs, or employer-specific work permits.
We Are Here to Help
Elliott Immigration Corporation can provide a detailed assessment of your options, including strategies to transition to another province, maintain your status, secure a Francophone work permit, or qualify under federal or provincial permanent residence programs. Contact us for a consultation to understand how the PEQ shutdown may affect your immigration plan.
Elliott Immigration Corporation is Here to Help You
