The Quebec Experience Program is an immigration program operated by the province of Quebec. PEQ is apt for applicants with French-language proficiency who have acquired work experience in Quebec. In addition, the program is the province’s priority immigration program, implying that applications are processed at a rapid rate as compared to other programs, like Quebec Skilled Worker. 

Requirements Of the Quebec Experience Program 

As with all the Quebec immigration pathways, this program enables applicants to apply for a Quebec selection certificate. In addition, upon receiving the Quebec selection certificate, a candidate becomes eligible to apply for PR in Canada. 

All Quebec Experience Program applicants must meet the following requirements for the program: 

• Have an intention of residing in the province to hold a job. 
• Have resided temporarily in the province to study/work & have respected the conditions of the stay. 
• Demonstrate advanced intermediate knowledge of French; accompanying spouses should also demonstrate knowledge of the language. 
• Undertake to offer for their needs & wherever applicable, those of their spouses & dependent children included in the application for Quebec selection certificate for a minimum time period of three months. 
• Be at least 18 years of age & hold a valid passport. 

Below are the acceptable pathways for demonstrating advanced intermediate knowledge of language proficiency. Take a look!

• Accepted 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 attesting to the completion of at least three years of secondary/ post-secondary full-time study pursued thoroughly in the French language. 
• A final transcript attesting to the completion of an advanced intermediate-level French course. Most applicants choose this alternative to be selected for an in-person interview to confirm French proficiency. 
• A regular license to practice from a professional order in the province. 

Additionally, applicants must meet additional requirements depending on whether they apply as a temporary foreign professional or an international/ foreign student. 

Quebec Experience Program For International Students 

Applicants applying for the Quebec Experience Program as international students have to meet the following requirements: 

• Have resided temporarily in the province with the goal of studying & have respected 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. 
• In case applicants are submitting their application form within Quebec, it is best to legally reside in the province at the time of submission of their application. 
• Candidates who have obtained a diploma of technical college studies, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree require 12 months of full-time work experience in the last 36 months in a profession under NOC skill level O, A, or B. In addition, applicants should be presently employed at the time of submission of the application. 
• Applicants who have obtained a diploma of vocational studies of 1,800 hours or more need 18 months of experience in the past 36 months under NOC skill level O, A, B, or C. Moreover, applicants must be employed at the time of submission of the application. Note that if you are employed in a profession which falls under NOC skill level C, it must be related to the field of study. 

In addition, not all Quebec educational programs are eligible for the Quebec Immigration Program. Applicants submitting applications as international students must verify that their program of study meets the requirements of the Quebec Experience Program.

Below are the types of programs eligible for PEQ applications:      

• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree
• Doctorate 
• DEC – Diploma of college studies & technical training
• Diploma of vocational studies attesting to 1800 hours of study or more
• Diploma of vocational studies followed by an attestation of vocalization specialization. It must be attested to a minimum of 1800 hours of continuing education & leading to a particular trade.

In case an international student meets all of the criteria mentioned above, they might submit an application for a CSQ via PEQ at any time. Moreover, there is no quota for the program & applications are always accepted. In addition, all PEQ applications are paper-based, implying that they are submitted in hard copy to MIFI for processing.  

Quebec Experience Program For International Workers 

Applicants applying to PEQ as temporary foreign workers should meet the following requirements: 

• Be legally a skilled temporary foreign professional in Quebec or under a youth exchange program.  
• Have a full-time job at the management, professional or technical level for at least 24 out of 36 months before submitting their application; part-time work is not accepted for this program. 
• Occupy a full-time job at the management, professional/ technical level when submitting the application. 

If an international worker meets all of the above criteria, they might submit an application for CSQ via PEQ at any time. There is no quota for the program & applications are always accepted. All PEQ applications are paper-based, implying that they are submitted in hard copy to MIFI for processing. 

Transitional Measures For New Regulations 

On July 22, 2022, immigration Quebec introduced new Quebec Experience Program regulations, which changed the selection criteria. Under the previous selection criteria, applicants did not need work experience to be eligible to submit. Temporary workers needed 36 months of work experience & that experience could fall under NOC skill level O, A, B, C, or D. 

Transitional Measures 

• All international students who obtained a diploma under the PEQ or will obtain one by December 31, 2020, can submit an application for permanent selection based on selection conditions in place before July 22, 2020. 
• Temporary international professionals who hold a valid work permit or another authorization to work under the Immigration & Refugee Protection Regulations & who were residing in Quebec on July 21, 2020, will be able to apply for permanent selection based on conditions in effect before July 22, 20202. 
• The Minister will continue to accept the attestation of successful completion of an advanced intermediate French course as a document which can be submitted regarding knowledge of the French language if the candidate has already passed this course, was attending the course, or had registered for it on July 21, 2020. 

Conclusion   

The Quebec Experience Program is a popular & rewarding pathway to both temporary & permanent residency in the province of Quebec. The province embraces international students as well as skilled professionals who contribute to its dynamic communities & thriving economy. 

Through this program, individuals can seamlessly transition into permanent inhabitants, enjoying a unique culture, world-class education, universal healthcare, & much more. Thus, the Quebec Experience program stands as a gateway for applicants seeking new horizons & a promising future in this dynamic & welcoming province.   

FAQs 

• What is the Quebec Experience Program? 

The Quebec Experience Program is for international applicants who are Quebec graduates or temporary skilled professionals. It lets an applicant obtain the Quebec selection certificate to settle in the province permanently. 

• What is the processing time for the Quebec Experience Program? 

The processing time is six months. The processing starts when the ministry of the province obtains your application.  

• Is it possible to get PR in Quebec? 

If you intend on staying in Quebec permanently, you can submit a permanent selection application to one of the immigration programs for skilled professionals that the province offers.