PEQ Conditions and French Requirements for 2026
Québec's PEQ is temporarily reopened from July 2, 2026 to July 2, 2028, but permanent-selection applications can be received from July 2 to October 31, 2026. The Québec graduate stream generally requires French level 7 orally and level 5 in writing; the temporary foreign worker stream requires oral level 7, and an accompanying spouse requires oral level 4. Applications go through Arrima, with a $940 principal-applicant fee from January 1, 2026.
The 2026 intake is time-limited
The Government of Québec describes a two-year temporary reopening, but the 2026 period for receiving a permanent-selection application is July 2 through October 31. A graduate applicant must meet the listed Québec-credential date condition as of November 19, 2025; a temporary foreign worker must have at least two years of Québec work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 by that date.
French thresholds depend on the stream
The Québec graduate stream requires level 7 or higher orally (listening and speaking) and level 5 or higher in writing (reading and writing). The temporary foreign worker stream requires oral level 7 or higher; an accompanying spouse must reach oral level 4. Québec's French scale is not Express Entry's NCLC scale.
TCF Canada and TCF Québec are listed tests
Québec lists TCF Québec, TCF Canada, TCF, TEFAQ, TEF Canada, TEF, DELF and DALF among accepted proof. Results must come from an approved centre and designated provider. Convert the result using the Québec scale for the intended stream instead of automatically applying NCLC 7.
Arrima, fees and the values attestation
Submit the PEQ application in Arrima with signed forms and complete colour PDF documents. From January 1, 2026, the fee is $940 for the principal applicant, $201 for a spouse and $201 for each dependent child; fees are non-refundable. When Québec requests the democratic and Québec values attestation, the usual deadline is 60 days.
Frequently asked questions
- When does PEQ receive applications in 2026?
- The 2026 receiving period is July 2 through October 31; the temporary reopening continues until July 2, 2028.
- What French level does the graduate stream require?
- It generally requires Québec French level 7 orally and level 5 in writing under the Québec scale.
- Does PEQ accept TCF Canada?
- Yes. Québec lists TCF Canada, TCF Québec, TCF, TEF Canada, TEFAQ, TEF, DELF and DALF among accepted proof.
- Where do I submit a PEQ application?
- Submit the permanent-selection application through Arrima with the required forms and evidence.
- What are the 2026 PEQ fees?
- $940 for the principal applicant, $201 for a spouse and $201 for each dependent child; fees are non-refundable.
Official source
2026-08-23.
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