Detailed Information about the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

Detailed Information about the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

If you have studied or worked in Quebec and want to live there permanently, you may be eligible for immigration via the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Aiming to process applications in six months, this fast-track immigration scheme for Canada. This extensive page provides an overview of all the details you want concerning this immigration scheme.

The Quebec Experience Class Immigration Program is the province’s equivalent of the federal Canadian Experience Class program (PEQ). The PEQ is mainly designed for foreign employees and students living in Quebec. It should be highlighted that the PEQ is not a point-based system, unlike the QSW program. As long as you meet the specified standards, you would be qualified. As a consequence, the PEQ application processing time is substantially shorter than it is for other Immigration Quebec programs. Depending on whether you are an employee or a student, the PEQ application has two requirements.

What is the procedure for migrating to PEQ?

Depending on your situation, you may apply for one of the two streams of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ):

As of January 2021, applicants for the Temporary Foreign Workers Québec Graduates PEQ must submit their applications, pay the required fees, and upload all required documentation via the Arrima site. Paper submissions are no longer accepted. However, anyone who sent in their application before January 26, 2021, won’t be able to use Arrima to follow their file or make changes to it.

The procedures to apply the PEQ are as follows:
Select the application for permanent selection that best suits your case from the two available and complete it.
Prepare the supporting papers according to the instructions on the application.
Make a profile on the Arrima website.
Send in your whole application packet through Arrima to be considered for permanent employment.
Pay the processing expenses for your application.
Complete applications will be processed by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration in six months. Once the whole application, fees, and supporting papers have been received, this time window begins.

Requirements for the Quebec Experience Program

Like other Quebec immigration routes, this program enables candidates to submit an application for a certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec selection certificate). After acquiring a CSQ, a candidate is eligible to file an official application for Canadian permanent residency.

The following basic conditions for the program must be met by all candidates to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ):

possess the desire to work in Quebec permanently;
Having adhered to the terms of their stay while temporarily residing in Quebec with the aim of working or studying;
Advanced intermediate oral French proficiency required, as well as French language proficiency for accompanying spouses.
commit to meeting their requirements for a least of three months, as well as, if appropriate, the needs of their spouse or de facto spouse and any dependent children who are included in their application for a certificat de sélection du Québec;
possess a valid passport and be at least 18 years old.

The following techniques are acceptable for proving advanced intermediate skill in French:
Tests of French that are recognized:
Test of French proficiency adapted for Quebec (TEFAQ)
French language proficiency test for Quebec (TCF-Québec)
Test of French evaluation (TEF)
French language assessment test for Canada (TEF Canada)
Test of French language proficiency (TCF)
Diploma of French Language Studies (DELF)
Detailed French language diploma (DALF)
A final transcript verifies the successful completion of at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies conducted in French.
The majority of applicants who choose this option will be chosen for an in-person interview to verify French competence. A final transcript attesting to the successful completion of an advanced intermediate-level French course.
a regular practice permit issued by a Quebec professional order
In addition to these fundamental qualifications, candidates must meet extra requirements depending on whether they are applying as an international student or a temporary foreign worker.

Quebec Experience Program for Foreign Workers on Temporary Visas

If any of the following apply to temporary foreign workers working in Quebec:

shown a desire to live and work in Quebec; having briefly resided there for employment;
Having a legal status in Quebec as a temporary worker or as a participant in a youth exchange program like International Experience Canada (IEC); have worked full-time in Quebec for at least 24 months of the 36 months prior to submitting an application in a 0, A, or B-level position (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op Internship).
at the time of application, are employed.

Language specifications

show a final transcript attesting to the successful completion of at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study in French (including the master’s and doctoral theses, if applicable); or a final transcript attesting to the successful completion of a study program in French in Québec (including the master’s and doctoral theses, if applicable); or demonstrate French proficiency through a recognized standardized language test.
Under the PEQ, spouses of primary candidates must show spoken French proficiency.
Before the Government of Quebec may award a CSQ, the applicant must provide a complete transcript and an attestation of successfully completing the diploma.

Measures for New Regulations that Are Transitional

Immigration Quebec introduced new PEQ regulations on July 22, 2023, which altered the selection criterion. According to the previous selection criteria, students may apply without having any prior job experience. The 36 months of work experience that was required for temporary workers might have been at NOC skill levels O, A, B, C, or D.

Temporary Measures

Before July 22, 2023, any foreign students who have earned or will earn a diploma that qualifies under the PEQ may apply for permanent selection based on the selection criteria.
Temporary foreign workers who were residing in Québec on July 21, 2023 and who possess a current work permit or other authorization to work under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2002/227) will be eligible to apply for permanent selection based on the rules in place prior to July 22, 2023.
If the applicant passed the course, was enrolled in the course, or had previously registered for it on July 21, 2023, the Ministère will continue to recognize the attestation of successful completion of an advanced intermediate French course as proof of French language proficiency.
Some of the most common inquiries concerning the Quebec Experience Program are answered in the following FAQs (PEQ).

When may candidates submit a PEQ application?

Graduate candidates are only permitted to submit an application after receiving their diploma. The application window is open for 36 months after graduation. A applicant may submit an application for the category of foreign employees as soon as all conditions have been met and they are now employed full-time in a skilled capacity in Quebec.

How soon can I expect to get a CSQ?

In less than six months, PEQ applications will be processed, according to Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration. This estimate is pertinent to completing applications when the applicant does not need further supporting documentation or an audit interview. Applications that are not complete will be sent back to the applicant.

Can a CSQ application include a spouse or common-law partner?

Yes, a spouse or common-law partner who is accompanying may be included on the application.