Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

Like all immigration pathways to Quebec, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) allows candidates to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Once this certificate is obtained, the applicant can submit an official application for permanent residency in Canada.

Candidates for the PEQ must meet the following criteria:

• Intend to settle in Quebec and work there.
• Have temporarily resided in Quebec primarily for work or study, complying with the conditions of their stay.
• Demonstrate an intermediate/advanced knowledge of spoken French. Accompanying spouses or common-law partners must also prove an intermediate/advanced proficiency in the language.
• Commit to supporting themselves, as well as their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children mentioned in the CSQ application, for at least 3 months.
• Be at least 18 years old and possess a valid passport.

To prove an intermediate/advanced level of spoken French, accepted methods include:

• 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)
• A final transcript confirming the successful completion of three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies in French.
• A final transcript confirming the successful completion of an advanced intermediate-level French course; most candidates using this option will be invited for an in-person interview to confirm their proficiency in French.
• A regular practice permit from a professional order in Quebec.

In addition to these general criteria, specific requirements may apply depending on whether the application is made by a foreign student or a temporary foreign worker.

Did you know?

Be aware that MIFI immigration officers always reserve the right to request an interview with candidates for the PEQ program to assess their French proficiency in person.

Quebec Experience Program for International Students

Candidates wishing to apply for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) as international students must meet the following additional conditions:

• Have temporarily resided in Quebec primarily for studying and have complied with the conditions of their stay.
• Have resided in Quebec for at least half of the duration of their study program.
• Hold an eligible Quebec diploma.
• Legally reside in Quebec at the time of application if applying from within Quebec.

Specific Requirements Based on Diploma Type:

• Technical College Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate:
  • 12 months of full-time work experience in the last 36 months in a profession corresponding to skill levels O, A, or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) and currently be employed at the time of application.
• Vocational Studies Diploma (DEP) of 1800 hours or more:
  • 18 months of work experience in the last 36 months in an NOC O, A, B, or C occupation, and be employed at the time of application. If the job falls under skill level C of the NOC, it must be related to the field of study.

Eligible Study Programs for the PEQ:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree
• Doctorate
• Technical College Diploma (DEC)
• Vocational Studies Diploma (DEP) confirming 1800 hours of study or more
• Vocational Studies Diploma (DEP) followed by a Professional Specialization Certificate (ASP) of 1800 hours of continuing education leading to a specific trade.

International students who meet all these conditions can submit an application for the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) through the PEQ at any time, as the program is not subject to any quotas. Applications must be submitted in paper format to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI).

Quebec Experience Program for Temporary Foreign Workers

Candidates applying to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) as temporary foreign workers must meet the following additional criteria:

• Be legally in Quebec as a qualified temporary foreign worker or under a youth exchange program, such as a Working Holiday permit, Young Professionals, or International Co-op Internship.
• Have held a full-time position at a managerial, professional, or technical level for at least 24 of the 36 months preceding the application, with part-time work not being eligible.
• Be currently employed full-time in a management, professional, or technical position (levels O, A, B of the National Occupational Classification) at the time of application.

Foreign workers who meet these criteria can submit an application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) through the PEQ at any time, as the program is not subject to quotas. All applications must be submitted in paper format to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI).

On July 22, 2020, Immigration Québec (MIFI) introduced a new regulation modifying the selection criteria for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Before this reform, students did not need work experience to be eligible for the PEQ. In contrast, temporary workers were required to provide proof of 36 months of professional experience, which could correspond to skill levels O, A, B, C, or D in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

All foreign students who obtained a diploma eligible for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) or expect to obtain one by December 31, 2020, can submit a permanent selection application based on the criteria in effect before July 22, 2020.

Similarly, temporary foreign workers who held a valid work permit or another work authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2002/227) and resided in Quebec on July 21, 2020, may also apply for permanent selection under the conditions prior to that date.

Furthermore, the Ministry will continue to accept proof of completion of an intermediate/advanced French course as evidence of language proficiency if the applicant had already completed, was taking, or was enrolled in that course on July 21, 2020.