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Immigration
Quebec Experience
Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l'expérience québécoise, PEQ):
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a fast track to permanent residency for international students who have graduated in Quebec and temporary foreign workers who already have work experience in the province. This program is designed for those who have demonstrated successful integration into Quebec society. Applicants must meet specific requirements, such as having an advanced knowledge of French and having completed an eligible study program or acquired sufficient work experience in Quebec. The PEQ is an excellent option for those who wish to settle permanently in one of Canada’s most dynamic and multicultural provinces.
Basic Requirements
Applicant Categories:
The PEQ is aimed at two main groups:
- International students who have graduated in Quebec.
- Temporary foreign workers with work experience in Quebec.
This program aims to facilitate the integration of individuals who have already
lived in the province and have local experience, allowing them to apply for permanent
residency quickly and efficiently.
Requirements for international students:
To apply as an international student, you must meet the following criteria:
a. Completion of an eligible study program in Quebec:
You must have completed one of the following study programs recognized by the Quebec government:
- Diploma of Professional Studies (DEP) with a minimum of 1,800 hours of study
- Diploma of College Studies (DEC).
- Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate from a Quebec university.
The duration of the program is important, and only programs that meet the required hours are considered eligible for the PEQ. The Quebec government recognizes diplomas awarded by authorized public and private institutions.
b. Time to apply:
You must have completed your study program within 36 months prior to applying. This timeframe ensures that recent graduates can apply quickly after completing their studies.
c. Residency in Quebec during studies:
You must have lived in Quebec for at least half the duration of your studies. This ensures that the applicant has adequate knowledge of life in Quebec and is well-integrated into the local community.
d. Work experience:
- Although the PEQ for students does not require extensive work experience prior to studies, you must demonstrate 12 months of full-time work in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, A, or B) in Quebec after completing the program.
- Jobs must be paid and meet the categories of skilled occupations recognized by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Up to three months of work can come from internships completed as part of the study program, but only if they were paid.
e. Exclusion of certain programs:
Requirements for temporary foreign workers:
Temporary foreign workers wishing to apply for the PEQ must meet the following requirements:
a. Work experience:
- It is mandatory to have worked at least 24 months full-time in Quebec within the 36 months prior to submitting the application. This work must have been in a skilled occupation within TEER 0, A, or B categories. These categories include highly skilled professions such as management positions, specialized jobs, professionals in technology, healthcare, etc..
- The employment must have been legal and documented, meaning you must have a valid work permit in Quebec and be employed in a position consistent with immigration regulations. Part-time or unpaid work does not qualify under this requirement.
- Work experience does not necessarily have to be continuous, but it must add up to 24 months of full-time work (minimum of 30 hours per week).
b. Valid work permit:
You must have a valid work permit at the time of application and comply with the conditions of said permit, which ensures that your stay and employment in Quebec have been legal.
French Language Proficiency:
An essential and key requirement for both groups (students and workers) is demonstrating an advanced level of oral French. Quebec is a French-speaking province, and French proficiency is fundamental for integrating into the labor market and society.
a. Required level:
- You must demonstrate a B2 level in oral French, meaning you should be able to participate in advanced conversations and handle work situations in French.
b. Ways to meet this requirement:
Submit the results of an official French exam such as the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) or the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF).
- If you completed your studies in French in Quebec, you will be exempt from taking an additional exam.
- Workers who have worked in a Francophone environment may be exempt if they can demonstrate their continuous use of the language at work.
Application Process:
The PEQ is distinguished by being an accelerated program. However, it is important to follow the steps correctly to avoid delays or rejection.
a. Submission Platform:
Applications must be submitted online through the Quebec government’s Arrima platform. All applications must be complete; if documentation is missing or forms are not correctly filled out, the application will be returned.
b. Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ):
Once the application is approved, you will receive the Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), which will allow you to apply for permanent residency to the federal government of Canada. This certificate is an essential requirement and is only issued after meeting all PEQ requirements.
c. Processing Time:
The processing time for the CSQ is approximately 6 months if the application is complete and does not require additional documentation or an interview.
Additional Considerations:
a. Intention to reside in Quebec:
Applicants must demonstrate their intention to settle permanently in Quebec. This formal declaration is included in the application and is assessed by immigration authorities. It is an essential step to ensure that candidates are committed to living and contributing to the province’s economy and society.
b. Spouses and dependents:
Spouses and de facto partners can be included in the application but must demonstrate a basic knowledge of French (level 4 on the Quebec scale as of November 2023).
Dependent children under 19 years old can also be included in the application.
Benefits of the PEQ:
Accelerated process:
Unlike other immigration programs, the PEQ offers a shorter processing time.
Eligibility based on local experience:
This program is designed for those who have already contributed to or integrated into Quebec, facilitating their transition to permanent residency.
Flexibility: The PEQ allows for a variety of diplomas and work experiences, opening the door to different professional and educational profiles.
The PEQ is distinguished not only by its accelerated process but also by its focus on attracting individuals who have already demonstrated successful integration into Quebec. International students who graduate from eligible programs in Quebec can benefit from a faster transition to permanent residency thanks to the exemption from additional French language tests if their studies were conducted in French. Furthermore, the PEQ allows temporary foreign workers who have accumulated at least 24 months of qualified work experience in the province to apply with greater ease, provided they are employed in an occupation within TEER 0, A, or B categories. This approach ensures that selected candidates are already well-integrated into Quebec’s economy and society.
Another important aspect of the PEQ is the possibility of including spouses and dependents in the application. As of November 2023, spouses or de facto partners must demonstrate a basic level of French, while dependents under 19 years old can also be part of the selection process. Applications must be submitted online through the Arrima portal, a platform where you can create your profile, upload necessary documents, and track your application. This program is designed to facilitate the rapid and effective integration of professionals and graduates into Quebec, allowing them to actively contribute to the local economy and establish themselves permanently in the province.
