When Quebec suspended its popular PEQ worker stream on 5 June 2025 (pausing intake until November), many international students and temporary workers were left scrambling to find alternative routes to permanent residency (PR). Fortunately, Canada still offers several strong immigration pathways: both through Quebec and federally.
Quebec-Based Option
Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
Launched July 2025 via the Arrima system
Four distinct streams:
- Highly Qualified: examples are engineers with RQF/FÉER 0–2, 1 year of experience, strong French
- Intermediate & Manual: TEER/FÉER 3–5, 2+ years’ experience
- Regulated Professions: licensed professionals (nurses, accountants, etc.)
- Exceptional Talent: requires 3+ years’ experience and notable achievements in fields like arts, science, or tech
Who it\’s for: Skilled graduates or workers in Quebec with French proficiency and relevant credentials. Applicants must sign a provincial values attestation.
Federal and Other Provincial Routes
| Program | Work Experience | Language | Job Offer? |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1 year Canadian skilled experience | CLB 7 (or CLB 5 for lower TEER) | No |
| Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) | 1 year total (foreign or Canadian) | CLB 7 | No |
| Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP) | 1 year total (foreign or Canadian) | CLB 4 to 5 | Yes or a trade certificate |
| Atlantic Immigration (AIP) | 2 years in skilled trades | CLB 4 to 5 | Yes, from the designated employer |
| Rural Pilot (RCIP) | 1 year or graduated | Varies by job | Yes |
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) highlights:
- New Brunswick EE Employment: 1 year living+working in NB, CLB 7, Express Entry
- New Brunswick EE Interests: needs Letter of Interest, CLB 7
- Ontario Human Capital Priorities: Express Entry + CLB 7, degree, NOI from Ontario
- Ontario Skilled Trades EE: TEER 5+ trades work, reside in ON
- Ontario REDI: rural job offers in specific counties (e.g., Lanark, Thunder Bay)
French-Speaking Pathways
- Francophone Community Pilot: 1-year work in the francophone community + CLB/NCLC 5
- Ontario French-Speaking Stream: Express Entry candidates with CLB 7 French + CLB 6 English
- Francophone Minorities & Student Pilots: study or work in official-language minority settings, with NCLC 5+, direct PR route
What This Means for PEQ Applicants
If Quebec’s PEQ closure affects your path to PR, your best options are:
- Switch to PSTQ if you meet Quebec’s criteria (e.g., French proficiency, education, experience).
- Enter Express Entry via CEC or FSWP, strong for those with Canadian experience or education.
- Explore PNP streams in NB or ON—especially if you have CLB 7 English or French and in-demand skills.
- Consider rural, Atlantic, or francophone programs if eligible.
PEQ is on pause, but Canada still welcomes skilled migrants. Review your credentials, polish your language tests, explore the right province, and act fast, many pathways align with your status and goals.