Quebec PEQ: 12,364 applications received, intake open until October 31

The numbers

MIFI gave these figures in two access-to-information decisions, dated October 5 and October 9, 2026. They cover only applications received from July 2, 2026. The data were extracted in September 2026.

MIFI gives a monthly split in the second decision:

MIFI says these data are provisional and may change.

No decisions yet, as of August 31

MIFI says that as of August 31, 2026, no Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ, Certificat de sélection du Québec) had been issued and no decision had been made under the PEQ. MIFI has not published processing times for PEQ applications.

The intake period and who can apply

Quebec says the first intake period runs from July 2 to October 31, 2026. Applications are received in Arrima, Quebec’s online system. MIFI says: “Il n’y a pas de plafond” (there is no cap) on the number of applications in this period.

Quebec says the criteria are assessed as of November 19, 2025:

• Quebec Graduates: an eligible Quebec diploma.
• Temporary Foreign Workers: at least 2 years of Quebec work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.

Quebec says the PEQ runs from July 2, 2026 to July 2, 2028. New intake periods are possible before it ends. No second-intake dates have been published. See Quebec’s PEQ page for the full rules.

What happens to PSTQ invitations

Quebec’s other skilled worker program is the PSTQ (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés). Quebec says the number of PSTQ invitations is reduced while the PEQ intake is open. It says: “À compter de novembre 2026, les invitations reprendront en fonction du nombre de demandes reçues au PEQ.” This means PSTQ invitations resume from November 2026, based on the number of PEQ applications received.

Quebec also says it intends to issue an equal number of CSQs under the two programs. It plans to strengthen its processing capacity.

What this means for you

• You meet the PEQ criteria as of November 19, 2025: the intake closes on October 31, 2026. Submit through Arrima before then.
• You do not meet the PEQ criteria: the PSTQ is the other route. Quebec says invitations resume from November.
• You have already applied: MIFI has not published processing times. Keep your Arrima account up to date.

What to do next

1. Read Quebec’s PEQ page and check the criteria.
2. If you qualify, submit your application in Arrima before October 31, 2026.
3. See our Quebec province page and our guide to the Provincial Nominee Program.

Frequently asked questions

How many PEQ applications did Quebec receive?

MIFI says 12,364 between July 2 and August 31, 2026: 7,938 from Quebec Graduates and 4,426 from Temporary Foreign Workers.

When does PEQ intake close?

The first intake period ends on October 31, 2026. MIFI says there is no cap during this period.

Has Quebec made any PEQ decisions?

MIFI says that as of August 31, 2026, no CSQ had been issued and no decision had been made.

When do PSTQ invitations resume?

Quebec says from November 2026, based on the number of PEQ applications received.

Sources

• MIFI access-to-information decision 31956 (October 5, 2026)
• MIFI access-to-information decision 31930 (October 9, 2026)
• Quebec: temporary reopening of the PEQ
• Quebec: the PEQ will be reactivated for two years
• Quebec: Programme de l’expérience québécoise

Facts as provided in our research brief dated October 21, 2026.