The Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l’Expérience Québécoise – PEQ) is one of Quebec’s main immigration pathways designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates who wish to settle in the province permanently. However, the program has been temporarily suspended until November 30, 2025.
Streams of the PEQ Program
The PEQ offers two primary streams for applicants:
-
Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Stream
-
Quebec Graduates Stream
Currently, both streams are on hold until November 30, 2025, as the Quebec government focuses on addressing labour shortages and prioritising candidates who already reside in Quebec and possess strong French language skills.
Process After Meeting PEQ Eligibility
Once a candidate meets the eligibility requirements for the PEQ, they must obtain a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ – Quebec Selection Certificate).
Receiving the CSQ allows the applicant to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
General Requirements for the PEQ
To qualify for the Quebec Experience Program, applicants must have lived, worked, or studied in Quebec. The general eligibility requirements include:
-
Temporary residence in Quebec for work or study in accordance with the conditions of stay.
-
Intention to settle in Quebec permanently and work for an employer with whom the applicant has no direct or indirect ownership or management role.
-
French-language proficiency requirements:
-
Temporary Foreign Workers: Level 7 on the Quebec scale
-
Students: Level 7 in speaking and Level 5 in writing
-
-
A spouse or common-law partner must demonstrate a spoken proficiency in French at Level 4.
-
Must hold a valid passport and be at least 18 years old.
-
Must be physically present in Quebec at the time of application.
-
Must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
Accepted French-Language Proofs
To demonstrate an advanced intermediate level of French proficiency, applicants must provide one of the following documents:
1. French Language Tests
-
TEFAQ – Test d’Évaluation du Français pour le Québec
-
TCF-Québec – Test de Connaissance du Français pour le Québec
-
TEF / TEF Canada
-
TCF (General)
-
DELF – Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française
-
DALF – Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française
2. Academic Transcripts
A final transcript showing at least three years of full-time study in French at the secondary or post-secondary level.
3. Professional License
A regular license to practice issued by a professional order in Quebec.
Note: For the complete list of passing scores required for each test, please visit the official Government of Quebec website.
Additionally, MIFI officers reserve the right to conduct interviews with PEQ applicants to assess their French proficiency in person.
Eligibility Requirements for the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Stream
-
Must be legally residing in Quebec as a skilled temporary foreign worker or participant in a youth exchange program.
-
Must have worked full-time (at least 30 hours per week) in a managerial, professional, or technical position for at least 24 months within the last 36 months before applying.
-
Eligible work experience must fall under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
-
Part-time work experience is not accepted under this program.
Eligibility Requirements for the Quebec Graduates Stream
-
Must have lived in Quebec primarily for study and respected the conditions of stay.
-
Must have lived in Quebec for at least half the duration of the study program.
-
Must hold an eligible Quebec diploma.
-
Must be legally residing in Quebec when applying.
Note: Not all study programs in Quebec qualify for the PEQ. Applicants should confirm their diploma’s eligibility before applying.
Updates to the Program (as of November 2024)
Under the new regulations:
-
Students who have started a second program of study after earning a diploma are now eligible to apply for the PEQ.
-
As of November 23, 2024, at least 75% of courses or credits in an eligible program must be completed in French.
-
Theses, dissertations, internships, or research work may be completed in another language as long as 75% of the coursework is done in French.
Applications for the Graduates Stream have been paused from October 31, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Additional French Requirements for Graduates
As of November 23, 2024, graduates must submit:
-
A final transcript confirming successful completion of a French-language program in Quebec, or
-
Proof of having completed at least three years of high school or post-secondary studies in French (if studying in an English-language program in Quebec).
Application Process for the PEQ
-
Choose your stream: Temporary Foreign Worker or Quebec Graduate.
-
Complete the corresponding CSQ application form.
-
Gather all required supporting documents.
-
Create an account and apply online via the Arrima platform.
-
Upload the completed form, supporting documents, and information for any accompanying family members.
-
Pay the required processing fees.
Applicants may submit any missing documents during the processing period.
Processing Time and Fees
-
All fees must be paid in Canadian dollars.
-
The average processing time for PEQ applications is approximately six months.
-
Processing begins only once the application is complete and payment has been received.
French-Language Requirements Summary
| Stream | Speaking | Writing | Spouse Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Foreign Worker | Level 7 | — | Level 4 |
| Quebec Graduate | Level 7 | Level 5 | Level 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a job offer to apply for the PEQ?
No. However, you must be employed at the time of application and be able to prove your eligible work experience.
What is the CSQ?
The Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) is an official document issued by the Quebec government confirming that an applicant has been selected for immigration. It is a prerequisite for applying for Canadian permanent residence.
Which diplomas are eligible for PEQ?
-
Bachelor’s degree
-
Master’s degree (including MBA)
-
Ph.D.
-
Diplôme d’Études Collégiales Techniques (DEC – College Diploma, technical training)
-
Diplôme d’Études Professionnelles (DEP – Vocational Diploma) with at least 1,800 hours of study
-
DEP followed by an Attestation de Spécialisation Professionnelle (ASP) totalling at least 1,800 hours of advanced training
Can I apply for PEQ from outside Quebec?
No. You must be living in Quebec at the time of application.
Can I include my spouse in my PEQ application?
Yes, you can include your spouse or partner if they demonstrate spoken French proficiency at Level 4.
They may also be designated as the principal applicant.
Conclusion
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is one of the fastest and most accessible pathways to obtain Canadian permanent residence through the province of Quebec.
It offers a simplified route for individuals who have already studied or worked in Quebec and possess adequate French-language proficiency.
Although the program is currently suspended until 2025, understanding its requirements and preparing documentation in advance can significantly increase an applicant’s chances of success when it reopens.