PEQ Suspended: What Are Your Immigration Options Now?
If you were planning to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) through Quebec’s popular PEQ (Quebec Experience Program), you may be facing unexpected roadblocks. As of June 5, 2025, Quebec has temporarily suspended the PEQ worker stream until November 30, 2025.
This pause has left thousands of skilled workers and international graduates wondering: What now?
Fortunately, there are several alternative immigration pathways available—both in Quebec and across the rest of Canada. In this guide, we’ll break down your best options, including federal programs, provincial nominee programs (PNPs), and how ICC Immigration can help you achieve your goal of permanent residency.
📌 Why the PEQ Suspension Matters
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) has long been a streamlined pathway to PR for those with Quebec work experience or a Quebec diploma. With its suspension, new applicants must now explore other options. The good news? There’s no shortage of viable alternatives.
🛤️ 1. Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ)
If you still plan to live and work in Quebec, the PSTQ (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) may be your best bet. It includes four streams:
-
Highly Qualified Skills Stream – For professionals with advanced skills and one year of experience.
-
Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream – For semi-skilled or manual laborers with two years of experience.
-
Regulated Professions Stream – For occupations that require licensing in Quebec.
-
Exceptional Talent Stream – For those with unique contributions in areas like research, sports, or the arts.
Each stream has different education, language, and work experience requirements. Candidates must also sign a values attestation and prove financial self-sufficiency.
🌎 2. Federal Immigration Pathways (Express Entry)
If you’re open to settling outside Quebec, Canada’s Express Entry system is an excellent route. It manages three programs:
-
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those with 1+ year of Canadian work experience.
-
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For professionals with 1 year of skilled work abroad or in Canada.
-
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For tradespeople with 2 years of experience and a job offer or certification.
💡 French-speaking candidates benefit from lower CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) cut-offs through category-based Express Entry draws. This is a strategic advantage for many former PEQ applicants.
🌍 3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
If you are already residing in or considering moving to another province, the PNPs offer region-specific PR options. Key PNPs include:
-
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Offers streams for skilled workers, tradespeople, and French-speaking applicants.
-
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) – Especially attractive for French speakers and those with local employment.
-
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – Targets skilled workers with job offers from designated Atlantic Canadian employers.
-
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) – For candidates with offers from rural communities across Canada.
Each program has its own eligibility criteria, but most favor applicants with Canadian education, language skills, and job offers.
🧭 Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Asylum
While some individuals may consider applying for asylum due to immigration challenges, this route is risky, uncertain, and often not suitable for most people. Instead, pursuing a structured PR pathway through Express Entry or PNPs offers stability and a clear roadmap to citizenship.
🤝 How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future
At ICC Immigration, we understand the complexities and constant changes in Canada’s immigration system. That’s why we offer personalized services designed to match your background, goals, and timeline.
Here’s how we can support your journey:
✅ Permanent Residency Applications
From Express Entry to Provincial Nominee Programs, we guide you through the entire PR process to maximize your chances of approval.
✅ Work Permits and Study Permits
Not eligible for PR yet? We help you secure a study or work permit, setting you on a long-term path to permanent status.
✅ Family Sponsorships
Reuniting with family is a major milestone. We handle spousal, child, and parent sponsorships with precision and care.
✅ Expert Legal Advice
Canadian immigration laws are intricate. Our legal team provides up-to-date, trusted advice to ensure your application is compliant and complete.
Instead of gambling your future on uncertain asylum claims, let ICC Immigration help you choose a secure, legal, and proven pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency.
📞 Contact us today for a free initial assessment and start your journey the right way.
🔑 Key Takeaways
-
The PEQ worker stream is paused until Nov 30, 2025.
-
Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ) offers multiple streams with new opportunities.
-
Express Entry and PNPs offer strong PR alternatives for skilled workers across Canada.
-
French-speaking candidates have unique advantages through category-based draws and francophone pilot programs.
-
ICC Immigration is your trusted partner in navigating Canada’s immigration landscape—ethically, legally, and effectively.