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Analyses, regulatory updates and practical advice from our team

Latest Analyses

Regulatory updates, strategies and expert breakdowns from our team

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PEQ: Reopening promised by Premier Fréchette — what you need to know

Closed on November 19, 2025, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is expected to reopen temporarily for two years. Christine Fréchette, sworn in as Quebec Premier on April 16, 2026, has mandated Immigration Minister François Bonnardel to relaunch the program. A grandfather clause (droits acquis) is planned for the ~50,000 people who met requirements before the closure date. No official reopening date has been set — June–July 2026 is the current estimate. If you were eligible before November 2025, start preparing your file now.

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QSWP (PSTQ): Active program — 2,522 invitations in March 2026 draw

Quebec's Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ/QSWP) is fully operational through the Arrima portal. The March 19, 2026 draw issued 2,522 invitations across 4 streams: Highly Qualified, Intermediate Skills, Regulated Professions, and Exceptional Talent. Minimum scores ranged from 397 to 718 points. The next draw is expected in April–May 2026. French proficiency and Quebec experience remain the strongest scoring factors.

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Draw #414 — French-Language Proficiency: CRS 400, 4,000 invitations (April 29, 2026)

IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply in the French-language proficiency category with a historically low CRS cut-off of 400 points — down 19 points from the previous French draw on April 15 (419). This is the most accessible French draw in months. Year-to-date, over 71,600 invitations have been issued. If you are a Francophone outside Quebec, now is the time to act.

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Draw #413 — Canadian Experience Class: CRS 514, 2,000 invitations (April 28, 2026)

On April 28, IRCC invited 2,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a CRS cut-off of 514 points. Eligible profiles had been created before September 24, 2025. The CEC remains the most active stream in 2026: 34,250 invitations issued since January out of 67,627 total. If you are working in Canada, this program is your priority pathway to permanent residence.

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IRCC Processing Times — April 2026: Faster citizenship, but Quebec parent sponsorship hits 67 months

IRCC's April 2026 update reveals a deeply uneven system: citizenship now averages 12 months (−14% inventory), PR card renewals dropped to 46 days. But Quebec Parents & Grandparents sponsorship surged to 67 months — a 20-month spike in a single update. Spousal sponsorship (outside Quebec) stands at 24 months. A two-speed system that demands a rigorous strategy.

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Quebec CAQ 2026: New Processing Times and Procedures

Processing times for the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) have dropped to 4–6 weeks following MIFI's full digitization of the process. Here is what you need to know to build a strong application...

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PGWP: Major Changes for 2024–2026 Graduates

Graduates of programs under two years now receive a PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) equal in length to their studies. The new rules directly affect permanent residence strategy...

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Parent Sponsorship 2026: Program Reopening — Date & Strategy

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) reopened in January 2026. Spots are limited — here is how to maximize your chances of being selected...

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Canadian Citizenship: 2026 Processing Times

Citizenship processing times have reached an average of 12 months. How to prepare your application now to optimize your wait and avoid requests for additional information...

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Status Restoration: Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Every year, hundreds of temporary residents lose their status due to a lack of awareness. Mohamed Rachid Trissia explains the 5 most common mistakes — and how to avoid them...

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Francophone Outside Quebec: Privileged Pathways to PR

IRCC continues to favour Francophone candidates in Express Entry draws. Francophone category draws offer significantly lower CRS thresholds — a major opportunity to seize in 2026...

Have questions about your situation?

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