The QEP will be reinstated from July 2, 2026, to July 2, 2028. To respect Quebec’s capacity and immigration targets, applications will be received in stages. The first stage will be open from July 2 to October 31, 2026, for people who obtained either a Quebec diploma or eligible work experience for the QEP at the time of its abolition on November 19, 2025.
- For the Quebec Graduates component, applicants must have obtained, in Quebec, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or doctorate, a diploma of technical college studies, or a diploma of professional studies, alone or followed by a certificate of professional specialization, of at least 1,800 hours, dated November 19, 2025;
- For the Temporary Foreign Workers component, applicants must have obtained work experience in Quebec in the category “Training, studies, experience, responsibilities” 0, 1, 2, or 3 within the meaning of the NOC for a period of at least two years, dated November 19,
Selection conditions
For the Quebec Graduates component:
- Stay in Quebec at the time of application submission;
- Have temporarily stayed in Quebec primarily to study there and for at least half of the duration of their study program;
- Have obtained an eligible diploma in the three years preceding the submission of the application;
- Have level 5 written French knowledge and level 7 oral French knowledge;
- Not have held a scholarship with a condition to return to the country of origin at the end of studies.
For the Temporary Foreign Workers component:
- Hold an eligible job at the time of application;
- Have level 7 oral knowledge of French.
For both components of the program:
- Intend to settle in Quebec to work there;
- Demonstrate the learning of democratic values and Quebec values;
- Commit to providing for their essential needs and, where appropriate, those of the de facto spouse and dependent children included in the application for permanent selection.
There is no limit on the number of applications to be received during the application intake period from July 2 to October 31, 2026.
During the QEP application intake period, the number of invitations to the PSTQ will be reduced and aimed in particular at people who are not eligible to apply for the QEP, such as those who practice professions in TEER categories 4 and 5 and those who have not yet acquired two years of work experience. From November 2026, invitations will resume depending on the number of applications received under the QEP.
The reopening of the QEP is a temporary measure. Eventually, the PSTQ will once again become the only pathway to the permanent selection of skilled workers.
Further information is available here.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.