Analyses, regulatory updates and practical advice from our team
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 approximately 50,000 people who met eligibility requirements before the closure date. Reopening is estimated for June–July 2026. If you were eligible before November 2025, start preparing your file now so you don't miss this opportunity.
Quebec Programs →Regulatory updates, strategies and expert breakdowns from our team
The May 2026 PSTQ draw issued 2,318 invitations across 4 streams: highly skilled (741 pts), intermediate (392 pts), regulated professions (618 pts), exceptional talent. CSQ + Express Entry = guaranteed +600 CRS points.
Spousal sponsorship times May 2026: 24 months outside Quebec, 18 months inside Canada processing, 38 months Quebec. PR+ program offers 12 months for couples married 2+ years with common children.
On May 9, IRCC invited 2,000 CEC candidates with a CRS cut-off of 519. The Canadian Experience Class remains the priority pathway for workers in Canada seeking permanent residence.
May 9, 2026 IRCC update: citizenship accelerates to 12 months (−3 mo. since January), but parent/GP sponsorship in Quebec jumps to 67 months (+20 months in a single month). Full breakdown by program.
IRCC issued 2,500 invitations in the Francophone category with a CRS cut-off of 401 — the second consecutive draw below 410. If your score is 390–420 and French is your FOLS, your profile may be eligible right now.
Canada maintains its 5% temporary resident target by 2027. As of May 2026, the rate is at 6.1%. Impact: work permit refusal rate up 8%, spousal OWP restriction, heightened TEER 2-3 scrutiny.
Since March 1, 2026, spousal OWPs are only granted when the principal applicant holds a TEER 0 or 1 position. Who qualifies? What are the alternatives? Complete analysis with eligibility table.
OINP draws on May 5 and 7: Tech (67 pts, 820 invitations), Healthcare (71 pts, 390), Logistics (58 pts, 610), Francophone (63 pts, 240). Provincial nomination adds +600 CRS points automatically.
IRCC confirms 485,000 study permit cap for 2026 (−10% vs. 2024). Ontario cuts quota by 15%, BC by 12%. Master's/PhD programs remain exempt. Alternative strategies available.
IRCC Bulletin IP 9B of May 5, 2026 tightens criteria: documented good faith proof required, criminal record impact, PR pathway now examined. Legal deadline: 90 days only. Act immediately.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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...
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) reopened in January 2026. Spots are limited — here is how to maximize your chances of being selected...
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...
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...
CRS ranging 481–510, targeted STEM, healthcare and Francophone draws, PNP strategies for profiles below the general threshold. Full analysis by our RCIC consultant in Montreal.
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.
Our news keeps you informed — but every case is unique. Book a consultation to have your file analyzed personally by Mohamed Rachid Trissia, RCIC.
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