Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): Eligibility & Pathways

Are you someone who has studied or worked previously in Quebec, and dreams to make the province your permanent address?

In such a case, you must know about a special immigration program – the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Discover all the essential details about this program in this comprehensive article. Ready to embark on your journey to settle in Quebec?

Let's explore the exciting possibilities together!

What is PEQ?

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) offers a speedy route for foreign graduates and Quebec work-experienced individuals to secure a Quebec selection certificate, a crucial step toward permanent residency. Uniquely governed by the Quebec-Canada Agreement, PEQ empowers Quebec to select its economic immigrants.

Tailored for those proficient in French with legal study or work experience in Quebec, it has granted a substantial number of selection certificates to temporary residents. Notably, a remarkable 86% of Quebec selection certificates have been awarded to PEQ applicants.

Ready to fast-track your path to permanent residency in Quebec? Explore PEQ Quebec requirements.

Complete List of PEQ Quebec Requirements

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) necessitates applicants to apply for a certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) as a vital step toward Canadian permanent residence. To be eligible, PEQ applicants must:

• Intend to settle in Québec for employment.
• Be at least 18 years old and possess a valid passport.
• Temporarily reside in Québec with the primary purpose of working or studying, adhering to stay conditions.
• Demonstrate advanced intermediate oral French proficiency; spouses must also showcase French language knowledge.
• Commit to providing for their needs and, if applicable, those of their spouse and dependent children for a minimum of 3 months.

The accepted methods to demonstrate French proficiency include recognized tests, transcripts reflecting French study completion, or a professional license from a Quebec order.

1. Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
2. Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)
3. Test d’évaluation du français (TEF)
4. Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)
5. Test de connaissance du français (TCF)
6. Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCF-Québec)
7. Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ)

Also Read: 15 Benefits of Learning French Language in Canada

You might also need to ensure a few more requirements for PEQ immigration to Quebec, these include:

• A conclusive academic transcript affirming the successful fulfillment of a minimum of three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary education conducted entirely in French.
• An ultimate academic transcript verifying the successful accomplishment of an advanced intermediate-level French course. Opting for this route may lead to an in-person interview to confirm French proficiency.
• A standard professional license granted by a recognized Quebec professional order.

Additional requirements vary based on whether candidates apply as international students or temporary foreign workers. Ensure you meet these criteria for a successful PEQ application.

Also Read: Why does Quebec have Immigration Policies of Their Own?

Eligibility Requirements for Temporary Foreign Skilled Class

For Temporary Foreign Workers eyeing the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), eligibility opens doors if you qualify the following Quebec experience class requirements:

• Showcase a keen desire to settle in Quebec for employment, steering clear of ineligible sectors.
• Demonstrate a temporary stay in Quebec with a work-focused purpose.
• Boast a robust 24 months of full-time work experience in Quebec within the last 36 months, holding a position in the 0, A, or B level job categories.
• Hold legal status in Quebec as a temporary worker or participant in a youth exchange program like International Experience Canada (IEC).

Language Requirements

• Speak French at a level 7 on the Quebec scale of French Proficiency; or
• Flaunt a final transcript showcasing three years of full-time study in French; or
• Prove you meet the French language standards of your occupation's professional order in Quebec.

#Don't forget that spouses of principal PEQ applicants need to flex their French skills at level 4.

Work Experience Required

MIFI considers 30 hours per week as full-time employment. Your expertise must be legally acquired, falling under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the National Occupation Classification (NOC).

International students with a Post-Graduation Work Permit or those under the Youth Exchange/IEC Program can count their full-time work hours toward PEQ, given they meet all requirements.

*Part-time, self-employment, or entrepreneurial ventures need not apply!

Also Read: Quebec PNP Program - Eligibility, Process, Arrima Draws

Eligibility Requirements for International Students

Graduates aiming for the Quebec Experience Program for international students! Your ticket to a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) awaits if you qualify the eligibility:

• Showcase intent to make Quebec your home for work, steering clear of ineligible sectors. Temporarily resided in Quebec for at least half the duration of your study program.
• Logged a solid 1,800 hours (two years) of study in Quebec.
• Bagged an eligible degree or diploma from a recognized Quebec Ministry of Education institution in the past 36 months.
• Legally present in Quebec at the time of your application.
• Flex financial self-sufficiency.
• Sport a Masters, Bachelors, or DEC diploma with 12 months of work experience in a 0, A, B level job, holding such a job during application.
• Hold a DEP with 18 months of work experience in a 0, A, B, or C level job, required to hold such a job during application (note: C level work must be related to the degree).

Language requirements

For principal applicants, it's a level 7 in spoken French and at least level 5 in written French on the Quebec scale of proficiency. Spouses, we're looking at a solid level 4.

You can also qualify by providing a final transcript of three years of full-time study completed entirely in French or a transcript from an eligible study program in Quebec, with 75% of courses completed in French.

*The Government of Quebec is ready to issue that coveted CSQ once you drop the complete transcript and attestation of diploma completion.

Application Process to Apply for PEQ Quebec

To enter the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), applicants choose between two streams: Temporary Foreign Workers or Quebec Graduates. The process involves:

• Step1: Complete Form: Fill out the permanent selection application form, focusing on the stream-specific sections.
• Step 2: Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents, such as educational transcripts and language proficiency results.
• Step 3: Submit via Arrima: Since January 26, 2021, all applications are made on Arrima. If requirements are met and no interview is needed, the applicant gets the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) with guidance for the next steps.
• Step 4: Interview: Some may face an interview for information verification, with additional checks by the Ministère de l’Immigration.
• Step 5: Receive Decision: Following the review, approved applicants get the CSQ and instructions for the immigration process. Rejections come with a letter stating the reasons.

Application Fee for PEQ Quebec

As of January 1, 2024, the fees for reviewing an application for permanent selection are as follows, with adjustments annually:

What is the PEQ Quebec Processing Time?

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) stands out as a top-priority program, as it offers a swift 6 month PEQ Quebec processing time, and the best part is that the program accepts applications all year round.

Quebec Experience Program for Fast and Assured Immigration to Canada

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) offers a streamlined path for Temporary Foreign Workers and Quebec Graduates to obtain permanent residency. From form completion to CSQ receipt, PEQ underscores the value of Quebec-based education and work experience.

This efficient process reflects Quebec's commitment to welcoming skilled individuals into its diverse community. Choosing PEQ as your immigration route, under the guidance of righteous immigration consultants like GetGIS promises not just residency but a gateway to a fulfilling life in Quebec, making it an appealing choice for those seeking Canadian PR.

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