Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

​
If you have studied or worked in Quebec, you may be eligible to immigrate under this accelerated Canadian immigration program.
​
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a popular immigration program for foreign students who hold an eligible diploma and who was obtained in Quebec as well as for people with experience. work in Quebec.

Candidates who submit their application to the PEQ and whose application is accepted, receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). A CSQ is required to immigrate to Quebec permanently.

Potential candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the PEQ, but who have previously worked or studied in Quebec, may be eligible for a Quebec Selection Certificate under the regular program of Quebec skilled workers.


As of July 22, 2021, spouses included in PEQ applications must demonstrate an oral knowledge of French of at least level 4 on the Quebec Scale of French Proficiency Levels for Adult Immigrants.

As of January 26, 2021, PEQ candidates must submit their application, pay the required fees and upload the required documents via the Arrima portal. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.
Submitting an application under the Québec experience program as a foreign student

Foreign students who have studied in Quebec may be eligible to apply for a CSQ under the PEQ if they meet the following criteria:

​

.intend to settle in Quebec to work;

.have stayed temporarily in Québec to study there;

.have obtained a diploma from an educational institution recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education within the last 36 months;

.have studied in Quebec for at least 1,800 hours (2 years).

.hold a master's, bachelor's or DEC and have 12 months of professional experience in a level 0, A, B job and hold such a job at the time of application

.hold a DEP and have 18 months of professional experience in a level 0, A, B or C job and be required to hold such a job at the time of application. Please note that C-level work must be related to the degree.

NOTE: Work experience acquired during compulsory internships will be taken into account up to a maximum of 3 months.

​

​

Language requirements

​
. present a final transcript of marks attesting to the successful completion of at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies entirely in French (including master's and doctoral theses, if applicable);

. present a final transcript of marks attesting to the successful completion of a study program in Quebec entirely in French (including master's and doctoral theses, if applicable);

.prove their skills in French by means of a standardized language test recognized by the Government of Quebec;

.demonstrate that they have met the French language requirements of the professional order governing their profession in Quebec.

.Spouses of PEQ Principal Applicants must demonstrate oral knowledge of French.


The Government of Quebec will not issue a CSQ until the applicant has submitted a complete transcript of marks and a certificate of successful completion of the diploma.

​
Submitting an application to the PEQ as a temporary foreign worker
​

Quebec temporary foreign workers may be eligible to submit a CSQ application to the PEQ if they meet the following criteria:

.intend to settle in Quebec to hold a job;

.have stayed temporarily in Québec to work there;

.have acquired full-time work experience in Quebec for at least 24 months, during the 36 months preceding the presentation of an application in a job at level 0, A or B;

.have legal status in Quebec as a temporary worker or as part of a youth exchange program, such as the International Experience Canada (IEC) program (Working Holidays, Young Professionals and Co-op Internships in abroad);

.hold the same job at the time of the application.

​

​

Language requirements

.prove their French skills by means of a standardized language test recognized by the Government of Quebec;

. present a final transcript of marks attesting to the successful completion of at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies entirely in French (including master's and doctoral theses, if applicable);

.demonstrate that they have met the French language requirements of the professional order governing their profession in Quebec.

.Spouses of PEQ Principal Applicants must demonstrate oral knowledge of French.

​

​

Full-time work experience under the PEQ
​
The MIFI considers a minimum of 30 hours of paid work per week as full-time employment. Full-time work experience acquired as an international student under a post-graduation work permit or under a Youth Exchange or International Experience Canada program may be taken into account. account if the candidate meets all the requirements of the PEQ. The MIFI will not consider any period of part-time work, self-employment or entrepreneur work under the PEQ. Quebec immigration authorities expect that the assessment of applications submitted to the PEQ will be done according to an accelerated procedure.