Quebec has shut down its popular Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) to new applications in November 2025. Candidates who were eligible for that program now have alternative PR pathways. This might be actually more advantageous, especially if they are planning to settle outside of Quebec.
The federal government is actively increasing opportunities for francophone immigration and selection outside of Quebec. Hence, former PEQ candidates are finding they can qualify for federal and provincial immigration streams that were previously less attractive or difficult to access.
Example 1: Express Entry via Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Let's take Hamish for an example. He has 2 years of experience with strong French language skills and is a skilled worker in Quebec. Even though he is eligible for the PEQ's Workers stream, it no longer exists for new applicants. Since he meets many federal criteria for PR, he creates a profile under the Express Entry system through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in particular.
He must show his intention to live outside Quebec, in order to be considered under Express Entry. He manages to earn enough points to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) as he has work experience, language skills in both English and French and his education credentials assessed. Once he gets invited, he can then complete his PR application and later shift to another province like British Columbia, after he becomes a permanent resident.
Example 2: Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Now let's take Caroline as another example. She is a recent graduate who lives in Quebec on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). She would have qualified under the PEQ Graduate stream. Since it's not available anymore, she is thinking of moving to Nova Scotia, where her sister currently resides. Family connections help here to show her interest to settle in the Atlantic region.
Focusing on the Skilled Worker route, Caroline explores the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). In order to qualify, she should get a job offer from an employer designated under AIP. After looking for a job in Nova Scotia, she receives a suitable job offer. She then starts collecting the other needed documents, such as education credentials, proof of funds and language test results.
Her employer then requests for a Certificate of Endorsement from Nova Scotia’s Immigration authority. This is an important step before she can submit her PR application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once the approval is sanctioned, Caroline sends her PR application to IRCC and includes proof of her intention to live in Nova Scotia. While her PR application gets processed, she continues to work there. Once it's processed, she officially becomes a permanent resident outside of Quebec.
What This Means
Since PEQ is no longer valid for new applicants, many candidates who would have once used this Quebec-specific route, are now turning to federal and provincial immigration systems. These are excellent alternative pathways for applicants with work experience, strong language skills and flexibility. They can in fact be effective routes to permanent residence.
Checking out alternative pathways like Express Entry (CEC) or the Atlantic Immigration can feel complicated and overwhelming, since PEQ no longer accepts new applications. This is where Croyez Immigration comes in. As a leading immigration consultancy, Croyez Immigration plays a major role in helping former PEQ candidates. They assess the best federal or provincial PR options based on their work experience, profile, language skills and settlement goals. Professional support like that of Croyez Immigration can make transitions smoother and increase the chance of success in a constantly changing immigration environment.
