Quebec’s immigration ministry used the holiday lull to publish a sweeping, two-year policy that for the first time limits the number of Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) study applications: 124,760 between 26 February 2025 and 26 February 2026. Universities receive just over half the slots; vocational colleges and CEGEPs share the rest.
At the same time, Quebec confirmed that its popular Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) streams for international graduates and temporary foreign workers were permanently closed in November. Future skilled-worker hopefuls must use the revamped Regular Skilled Worker Program, where French proficiency now carries far more weight. By 2028, many temporary workers will need spoken-French credentials to renew status.
For international students, the changes mean fewer seats and no automatic PR pathway. Education consultants foresee intense competition for French-language master’s and STEM programmes that align with the new selection grid. Students unable to secure a CAQ before the cap resets may shift to Ontario or Atlantic Canada, altering regional talent flows.
![Quebec imposes first-ever cap on CAQ study applications and retires PEQ fast track]()
For applicants struggling to keep pace with Quebec’s evolving rules, VisaHQ can provide valuable, up-to-date assistance. Through its dedicated Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/), the service walks students, workers and employers through CAQ paperwork, study and work-permit options, and the latest French-language documentation requirements, helping them submit complete files before quotas close.
Companies operating in Quebec must reassess workforce plans. The loss of the PEQ removes a fast lane that previously converted interns to PR employees within two years. Employers may need to budget for Labour-Market Impact Assessments or relocate hires until they meet skilled-worker criteria. Mobility teams should brief affected assignees on French-testing timelines and explore federal Francophone Mobility streams as a workaround.
Politically, the cap helps Premier François Legault demonstrate control over immigration volumes while protecting the French language, but critics argue it jeopardises the province’s competitiveness at a time of acute labour shortages.
At the same time, Quebec confirmed that its popular Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) streams for international graduates and temporary foreign workers were permanently closed in November. Future skilled-worker hopefuls must use the revamped Regular Skilled Worker Program, where French proficiency now carries far more weight. By 2028, many temporary workers will need spoken-French credentials to renew status.
For international students, the changes mean fewer seats and no automatic PR pathway. Education consultants foresee intense competition for French-language master’s and STEM programmes that align with the new selection grid. Students unable to secure a CAQ before the cap resets may shift to Ontario or Atlantic Canada, altering regional talent flows.
For applicants struggling to keep pace with Quebec’s evolving rules, VisaHQ can provide valuable, up-to-date assistance. Through its dedicated Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/), the service walks students, workers and employers through CAQ paperwork, study and work-permit options, and the latest French-language documentation requirements, helping them submit complete files before quotas close.
Companies operating in Quebec must reassess workforce plans. The loss of the PEQ removes a fast lane that previously converted interns to PR employees within two years. Employers may need to budget for Labour-Market Impact Assessments or relocate hires until they meet skilled-worker criteria. Mobility teams should brief affected assignees on French-testing timelines and explore federal Francophone Mobility streams as a workaround.
Politically, the cap helps Premier François Legault demonstrate control over immigration volumes while protecting the French language, but critics argue it jeopardises the province’s competitiveness at a time of acute labour shortages.
