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All About The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
By : Lifeincan   |   Jul 30, 2024

All About The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

The Quebec Experience Programme (Programme de l’expérience québécoise or PEQ) is an accelerated program for graduates from Quebec institutions and temporary foreign workers with skilled work experience in Quebec. This program is a fast track to getting a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) which is one of the precursors to acquiring permanent residency in the province of Quebec.

Key Updates to the PEQ Since July 2020

Significant updates to the PEQ requirements include:

Update

Details

Application Portal

All applications must now be submitted through the Arrima portal.

Spousal Requirements

Spouses included in PEQ applications must demonstrate spoken knowledge of French at level 4.

Transitional Measures

Students and workers already in Quebec as of July 2020 can apply based on previous conditions.

New Spousal Requirements

As of July 2021, spouses included in the application must demonstrate knowledge of French at level 4 on the Quebec scale of French language proficiency.

Purpose and Structure of the PEQ Program

The PEQ is tailored to individuals already integrated into Quebec society. It aims to retain foreign graduates and skilled workers who have established themselves in the province. The program has of two categories:

  • Temporary Foreign Workers

  • Quebec Graduates

Eligibility Criteria: Are You Qualified?

General Requirements

To be eligible for the PEQ, applicants must meet several general criteria. Here’s a detailed look at these requirements:

Requirement

Description

Settlement Intent

One of the requirements is that the applicant must have a job and it must be their intention to reside in Quebec.

Temporary Residence

Temporary residents must have had their main reason for residing in Quebec to work or study.

Language Proficiency

It is necessary to have the knowledge of oral French on the level of an advanced intermediate learner.

Financial Support

Applicants need to be able to support themselves and those accompanying them for a minimum of 3 months.

Age and Legal Status

The applicants must be eighteen years and above and must possess a valid passport.

Specific Criteria for Temporary Foreign Workers

Temporary foreign workers must satisfy additional criteria to qualify for the PEQ:

Requirement

Description

Legal Status

Must have been a legal resident in Quebec to live and work.

Employment Status

Any applicant must be employed full-time at the NOC skill level 0, A or B at the time of application.

Work Experience

Must have gained full time work experience in Quebec for at least 24 months in the 36 months before the application.

Specific Criteria for Quebec Graduates

For Quebec graduates, the specific requirements are as follows:

Requirement

Description

Study Duration

At least 50% of the time of the study program must have been spent in Quebec.

Educational Qualification

Must be a holder of a diploma that is eligible to be issued in Quebec, for instance, a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, or vocational diploma.

Work Experience

Must have gained the prescribed post-degree working experience (12 months for technical college, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate, 18 months for vocational college).

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Steps to Apply

Applying for the PEQ involves several steps. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Step

Description

Prepare Documents

Assemble all the necessary documents as per the application requirements of the particular country.

Create Arrima Profile

PEQ applications are processed through the Arrima portal; you should submit your application through this portal.

Submit Application

Fill out the application form and submit the necessary documents and the appropriate amount of fees.

Processing

The candidates applying for immigration through the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI) get their complete application processed within six months.

Decision

Get an acceptance or a rejection. If accepted, you shall be issued with your CSQ.

Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must show proficiency in spoken French at an advanced intermediate level.

Method

Description

Educational Completion

Completing an eligible study program in French.

Language Testing

Passing a recognized French language test.

Educational Institution

Holding a diploma from a French-speaking institution.

Why Should You Apply For PEQ?

Applying for PEQ has many benefits, including:

Speedy Processing

Another major strength of the PEQ is that it is processed faster than the regular questionnaire. The applications are usually reviewed within 6 months, much faster compared to most of the immigration channels.

Seamless Integration

The PEQ targets those applicants who are already a part of the Quebec society. This focus ensures that the applicants are aware of Quebecc’s values, culture, and lifestyle.

Simple Selection Process

Unlike other immigration programs that make use of the points-based system, the PEQ relies on the information and documents of the applicant.

Enhanced Employment Prospects

By using the PEQ, the hiring process is eased for employers in that they can hire young graduates and skilled workers who have studied or worked in Quebec.

Comparing PEQ with Other Programs

The table below compares the PEQ with the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP):

Criteria

PEQ

QSWP

Processing Time

Approximately 6 months

Varies, typically longer than PEQ

Language Requirements

Advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French

Points-based, with points awarded for language proficiency

Eligibility

Temporary foreign workers and Quebec graduates

Based on the points system, open to various skilled workers

Work Experience

24 months in Quebec for workers, post-graduation for graduates

Varies based on the points system

Integration Focus

High - applicants already integrated into Quebec society

Moderate - focuses on skilled workers from various regions

Conclusion

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is one of the best programs for immigrants who have already adapted to society through working or studying. Being relatively easy to navigate and having a fast-track processing time, the PEQ presents a clear path to getting a CSQ and, consequently, Quebec permanent residency. Regardless of the fact that you are a temporary foreign worker or you have recently graduated from an institution in Quebec, the PEQ is a very efficient means of becoming a permanent resident of Quebec.