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As Quebec moves to eliminate a major pathway to permanent residency, immigrants in the province are urging officials to honor the conditions that were in place when they submitted their applications.
Demonstrations organized by the advocacy group Le Québec c’est nous aussi (LQCNA) were held Monday morning outside the Quebec Immigration Ministry in downtown Montreal and at the National Assembly in Quebec City.
Quebec Experience Program Ends Nov. 19
The Quebec government recently announced that the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) — a long-standing route that fast-tracked permanent residency for eligible applicants — will officially end on Nov. 19.
This change makes the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) the sole economic immigration option for individuals hoping to settle permanently in the province.
The PEQ has historically benefited temporary foreign workers and Quebec graduates already living in the province.
However, Quebec Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge emphasized that those who expected to gain permanent residency through the PEQ may not automatically qualify for the PSTQ.
Advocates Say Policy Shift Sends Immigrants Away
LQCNA president Claire Launay criticized the government’s decision, arguing that ending the PEQ — combined with a moratorium on work permits in Montreal and Laval — signals to workers that they are no longer welcome.
Earlier this month, Quebec decreased its immigration targets for the next four years to 45,000 new permanent residents annually, down from 61,000 expected in 2024.
Launay accused the government of fueling anti-immigrant sentiment, saying the policy change will “undermine Quebec’s reputation abroad and derail the life plans of thousands of families.”
Government Rejects Calls for a Grandfather Clause
Minister Roberge declined interviews on Monday but issued a statement confirming that the government will not introduce a grandfather clause for pending PEQ applicants.
“We understand the concerns,” he said, “but we are not considering exceptions.” He noted that applications submitted before the suspension will still be processed.
Under the PSTQ, temporary residents are evaluated based on education, French-language ability and work experience, using a 1,200-point scoring system. Higher scores increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Applicants Fear Future Is in Jeopardy
Service worker Ahmed Dine Dine joined the protest in Quebec City, explaining that the termination of the PEQ has placed his and his wife’s future in uncertainty.
As French-speaking Moroccans, they chose Quebec expecting easier cultural and linguistic integration.
“We pay taxes like all Quebecers,” he said, adding that they left their home country behind in hopes of building a stable life.
Dine Dine emphasized that PEQ applicants are not seeking special treatment — only recognition for “everything we have done” to meet the province’s requirements.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the PEQ program marks a significant shift in Quebec’s immigration landscape, prompting protests and widespread concern among temporary workers and graduates who built their lives around this pathway.
As the province tightens immigration policies and transitions to the PSTQ, many fear that their long-term future in Quebec is uncertain.
FAQs
1. When does the Quebec Experience Program officially end?
The PEQ will end on November 19, after which the PSTQ becomes the only economic immigration program.
2. Will current PEQ applicants be protected under a grandfather clause?
No. The Quebec government has confirmed it will not implement a grandfather clause.
3. What factors does the PSTQ consider in its scoring system?
The PSTQ evaluates applicants based on their education, French-language proficiency, and work experience, using a 1,200-point scale.