What is PEQ?

The Quebec Experience Class, or Programme de l’expérience Québécoise (PEQ) is a fast-track class of immigration for individuals who have spent time in Quebec as eligible foreign workers or international students.

Applicants must follow two broad steps in order to be granted permanent residence in Quebec. First, they must apply to the provincial government for a Quebec Selection Certificate, or Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). This is a document showing that the province endorses the application for permanent residence.

The CSQ and other relevant documents are then submitted to the federal government, who are responsible for ensuring that any necessary medical and criminal checks are conducted. Upon approval, the applicant is granted the permanent residence visa.

International students

In order to apply for PEQ as a student, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be in possession of a degree or diploma from a post-secondary institution that is recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education, obtained within the three-year period prior to applying
• You must have spent at least 1,800 hours, or two years, studying at this institution
• You must have advanced intermediate proficiency in French, which can be demonstrated by way of taking a province-approved language test

Temporary foreign workers

If you are already living in Quebec as a foreign worker with a work permit, you must demonstrate the following:

• That you have acquired at least twelve months of Quebec work experience in a skilled, managerial or professional occupation during the two-year period prior to applying
• That you are currently employed in Quebec with a valid work permit
• That you have advance intermediate proficiency in French, which can be demonstrated by way of taking a province-approved language test

What if I do not meet the criteria for PEQ?

If you would like to become a permanent resident of Canada but you do not meet the eligibility criteria for PEQ, you may be able to apply for immigration through the Quebec Skilled Worker program.  Please refer to that Quebec Skilled Worker page for more information.