Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), also known as the programme de l’expérience québécoise, is one of Quebec’s several immigration programs.

What are the different streams under the Quebec PEQ?

Quebec PEQ has two different streams for applicants: the Temporary Foreign Workers stream (TFW), as well as the Quebec Graduates stream.

What is the process after becoming eligible for PEQ?

With all PEQ pathway programs, a certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec selection certificate) will be required. Upon receiving an approval for the CSQ this allows the applicant to submit an application for their Canadian permanent residence.

PEQ Requirements

In addition to the following general requirements for PEQ on this page, the primary eligibility requirement for the Quebec Experience Program is that you must have worked or studied in Quebec:

• Have lived temporarily in Quebec for work or study, following the conditions of their stay
• Plan to settle in Quebec to work for a company where they have no direct or indirect authority, either legally or in practice.
• TFW can speak French at level 7 on the Quebec French proficiency scale.
• Students must speak French at level 7 orally and a level 5 in writing.
• Ensure that their common-law partner or spouse has French speaking skills at level 4.
• Hold a valid passport and are at least 18 years old.
• Be present in Quebec at the time of application.
• Provide proof of financial independence.

PEQ Language Requirements

The PEQ accepts a variety of different language tests demonstrating advanced intermediate knowledge of French-language proficiency, you must provide one of the following documents listed below with your declaration:

1. French-language tests:

Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ)

Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCF-Québec)

Test d’évaluation du français (TEF)

Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)

Test de connaissance du français (TCF)

Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)

Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)

2. A final transcript showing that you have successfully completed at least three years of full-time study in French at secondary or post-secondary school.

3. A regular license to practice from a professional order in Quebec.

Note: For a complete list of the required marks for each of the language tests mentioned above, please visit the Government of Quebec’s website.

Eligibility Requirements for Temporary Foreign Workers under PEQ

Applicants applying through the TFW stream must be legally in Québec as a skilled temporary foreign worker or part of a youth exchange program.

Applicants must have worked full-time (30 hours) in a management, professional, or technical job for at least 24 out of the 36 months before submitting their application. Part-time work is not accounted for under this program.

The eligible work experience must correspond to an occupation in the “Training, education, experience, responsibilities” categories TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification.

Eligibility Requirements for International Students under Quebec Graduates Stream

You must have lived in Québec temporarily for the main purpose of studying and followed the conditions of your stay.

You must have lived in Québec for at least half the duration of your study program.

You must hold an eligible Québec diploma.

If applying from within Québec, you must be legally residing in Québec when you submit your application.

Note: Not all programs in Québec are eligible for PEQ. See below the eligible diplomas to make sure your program qualifies before applying.

Eligibility Update:

Under the old regulation, students who were enrolled in a new program of studies in Québec since the issuance of the diploma were ineligible for PEQ. However, under the new regulation, students are eligible to apply to PEQ even if they have started a second study program.

As of November 23, 2024, 75% of the courses or credits in an eligible program, such as vocational and college training, as well as university programs, must be completed in French. Work such as a thesis, master’s dissertations, internships, and research lab work may be completed in a language other than French as long as 75% of other courses or credits are completed in French.

Note: New applications for the Graduates stream under PEQ have been paused since October 31, 2024, and will remain closed until June 30, 2025. Applications already submitted before November 1, 2024, will be reviewed by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), and those selected will continue their immigration process for Canadian permanent residence.

Graduates Stream Additional French Proficiency Requirements

As of November 23, 2024, there have been changes to the documents needed to show your French speaking and writing skills for the Québec Graduates stream:

1. You must provide a final transcript with marks showing that you have successfully completed an eligible program in French in Québec.
2. If you are in a post-secondary program in English in Quebec, you will need to demonstrate that you have completed 3 years of high school or post-secondary studies in French.

Q&A

What is the application process for PEQ?

1. Select the stream for which you want to apply and complete the application: Use the Demande de sélection permanente Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) – Travailleur étranger temporaire form to apply under the temporary foreign workers stream. The Demande de sélection permanente Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) – Diplômé du Québec form should be used for the Québec graduates stream.
2. Compile the necessary paperwork as listed on the application.
3. Apply on the Arrima platform after setting up your account.
4. Submit your application on the Arrima platform by attaching the permanent selection application form, supporting documentation, and information about any family members you plan to include in your application.
5. Pay the application processing fees.

Note: You can submit any missing documents during the processing of your application.

What are the processing fees for a PEQ application?

As part of the PEQ application process, applicants are required to pay a processing fee. All fees must be paid in Canadian dollars and the full amount must be paid either by the applicant or by a third party. For a full list of up-to-date fees please visit the government of Quebec’s website.

How long does PEQ take?

The average processing time for most PEQ applications is six months. The processing time starts as soon as the MIFI receives the application.

To ensure the application is processed on time it must be complete and contains all the required documents, it is also important to pay the processing fees in full.

What is the French language requirement for PEQ?

Temporary Foreign Workers Stream:

• Applicants must demonstrate spoken French proficiency equivalent to level 7 on the Quebec scale of French proficiency.
• The applicant’s spouse must demonstrate spoken French proficiency equivalent to level 4 on the Quebec scale of French proficiency.

Graduates Stream:

• Applicants must demonstrate spoken French proficiency equivalent to level 7 on the Quebec scale of French proficiency.
• Applicants must also demonstrate written French proficiency equivalent to level 5 on the Quebec scale of French proficiency.
• The applicant’s spouse must demonstrate spoken French proficiency equivalent to level 4 on the Quebec scale of French proficiency.

Can one apply for PEQ even if I don’t speak French?

No, the applicant must have the stipulated level of proficiency in French in order to qualify for the PEQ. Both streams under PEQ have different French language requirements for applicants and their spouses.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the PEQ?

No, a job offer is not required. However, you need to be employed at the time of submission of the application and be able to demonstrate your eligible work experience through an employment letter.

What is a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)?

The CSQ is a document that is an official endorsement by the Quebec Government which states that an applicant has been selected for immigration. Having a CSQ is one of the requirements to receive Canadian permanent residence under the PEQ.

The CSQ allows those in Quebec with an existing work permit to apply for an extension.

What are the Diplomas and Degrees eligible for the PEQ program?

Applicants who have completed any one of the following diplomas are eligible for the PEQ program

• Bachelor’s degree (university undergraduate)
• Master’s degree (including an MBA)
• Ph.D
• Diplôme d’études collégiales techniques (DEC – diploma of college studies, technical training)
• Diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP – diploma of vocational studies) attesting to 1800 hours of study or more
• Diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP – diploma of vocational studies) followed by an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP – attestation of vocational specialization) attesting to a minimum of 1800 hours of continuing education and leading to a particular trade

Can I apply for PEQ after my studies in Quebec?

Yes, you can apply for the PEQ after you complete your studies in Quebec. You will have to apply under the Graduates stream of the PEQ. However new applications under the Graduates stream have been paused since October 31, 2024, until June 30, 2025.

How much work experience do I need as a Temporary foreign worker to apply for PEQ?

The work experience requirements are that you must be employed for at least 24 of the 36 months prior to submitting your application

You shouldn’t have obtained your work experience:
– In a sector that is ineligible
– From an employer that you directly or indirectly control or have legal control

You are not eligible to participate in the Québec Experience Program if you have worked part-time or fewer than thirty hours a week.

If you have non-continuous job experience done on a full-time basis, you can include it in your application.

Can I apply for PEQ if I already have a work permit?

Yes, you can apply for the PEQ if you have a work permit in Quebec and you meet the other eligibility requirements.

Can I apply for PEQ from outside Quebec?

• For the PEQ graduates stream: You can not apply to the PEQ graduate stream from abroad as you must be in Quebec at the time of the application.
• For the foreign workers stream: You must be in Quebec and working at the time of submission of your application.

Can I include my spouse in my PEQ application?

Yes, you can include your spouse in your application for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ):

• If your spouse speaks French at level 4 on the Quebec scale of French proficiency
• You can include or remove a spouse from your application
• Your spouse can also be the main applicant in the PEQ program

Can I apply for PEQ while being a visitor inside Canada or with visitor status inside Canada?

Under the temporary foreign workers stream you must be working at the time of submission of the application, meaning that you have a valid work permit.

For the graduate’s stream, applicants may be eligible on a visitor’s visa If they meet the other PEQ requirements.

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