The Government of Quebec encourages foreign workers employed in Quebec and international students who complete a post-secondary studies program in Quebec, to stay permanently in the province.
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a fast, streamlined process that leads to permanent residency for both categories of applicants. The program allows international students and temporary foreign workers to apply for permanent residency from within Quebec, after completing a period of qualified work or approved studies.
A series of changes to PEQ requirements were made on July 22, 2020. There is also a series of transitional measures in place for some candidates who were already in Quebec when the requirements were changed.
Quebec Experience Program for Students:
To be eligible, students must have studied in Quebec full-time and have completed one of the following types of diplomas:
- Diploma in Professional Studies (Diplôme d’Études Professionelles), which includes 1800 credit hours.
- DVS followed by a professional specialization certificate (Attestation de spécialisation professionnelle), with a total of 1800 credit hours.
- University Studies Diploma, Technical Training (Diplôme d’Études Collégiales technology).
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s degree (and Master of Business Administration). Or,
- PhD.
The diploma or degree must be awarded by a university or public educational institution located in Quebec and recognized by the government. Also, the international student must have lived in Quebec for at least half of the duration of the study program.
In addition, the student must have obtained the following work experience:
Holders of a technical college diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate:
- Minimum of 12 months’ full-time work experience after the end of the course in a position at NOC level 0, A, or B level.
- Hold a full-time position at NOC level 0, A, or B at the time of application.
- Work experience gained through full-time or part-time training may be recognized as part of the course with a maximum of three months.
Holders of a professional studies diploma only or with a professional specialty certificate:
- At least 18 months full-time work experience after the completion of the course in a position at NOC level 0, A, B, or C.
- Hold a full-time position at NOC level 0, A, B, or C at the time of application.
- Work experience at NOC 0, A, or B level does not have to be associated with the program of study.
- Work experience at NOC C level must be related to the diploma obtained in Quebec.
- Work experience gained through full-time or part-time training may be recognized as part of the course with a maximum of three months.
In addition, the international student must possess intermediate and advanced knowledge of oral French. The student can prove his knowledge of French through one of the following procedures:
- He must have completed one of the above-mentioned programs in the French language.
- He must have studied the French language on a full-time basis for at least three years in a secondary or post-secondary educational institution.
- He must have passed a recognized French test, such as Test d’évaluation de français, among others.
- He must have fulfilled the language requirements of a professional order system in Quebec.
Students may submit their applications for permanent selection under the PEQ – Quebec alumni stream, from within Quebec or from abroad, upon completion of their program of study.
Quebec Experience Program for Temporary Workers:
Candidates must meet all of the Quebec Experience Program requirements when applying
Quebec Experience Program for Temporary Foreign Workers:
Requirements
- Intention to settle and work in Quebec.
- Live and work legally in Quebec.
- Be a legal temporary foreign worker in Quebec or as part of a youth exchange program.
- Hold a full-time position at NOC level 0, A, or B upon application.
- Have held a full-time position at NOC level 0, A, or B for at least 24 of the 36 months prior to application.
- Demonstrate oral knowledge of the French language with at least 7 of the “Quebec Levels of French Language Proficiency Scale for Adult Immigrants” or its equivalent.
- Commitment to meet the basic needs and, when necessary, the needs of the spouse or partner and dependent children mentioned in the application, for a period of not less than 3 months.
- Be at least 18 years old and have a valid passport
- Passing the Quebec Values Test within the specified deadlines (including spouse and children of 18 years or over).
Processing priority
Under the PEQ program, selection decisions are made only from the information and documentary evidence presented in the file, and this is not a point-based program.
The target processing time for the program is 6 months.
Once the CSQ is issued, the applicant will apply for permanent residency to the federal government to conclude health, security, and related matters.