Quebec Experience Program (QEP): Permanent Residence
The government of Quebec welcomes foreign nationals who are working or studying in Quebec to permanently reside in Quebec. Applicants can apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ: Certificat de sélection du Québec) through two Quebec immigration pathways in the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ: Programme de l'expérience Québécoise) with the Ministère de l’immigration, de la diversité et de l’inclusion (Immigration Quebec). The PEQ process has a fast-track, priority processing system for qualified applicants.
The Quebec Immigration QEP program is for immigrants who have proven that they can successfully integrate into Quebec society, either through skilled work experience in Quebec or through international post-secondary education in Quebec. The PEQ is not a points-based system.
The PEQ has two streams:
- Skilled Temporary Foreign Workers
- Quebec Graduates
French is the official language of Quebec. A pre-requisite for both streams is that the applicant must demonstrate an advanced intermediate oral French language skills.
Quebec Experience: Skilled Temporary Foreign Workers
To qualify under the skilled foreign worker PEQ stream, the applicant
- must be currently working and living in Quebec as a temporary foreign worker or as a participant in an approved work holiday program
- must have been employed full-time (30 hours per week) in Quebec in paid employment for a period of 12 months in the 24 months that precede the submission of the application. The 12-month period need not be continuous and can be accumulated with more than one employer.
All occupations are eligible for PEQ under the Regulations of August 2nd, 2018.
Quebec Experience: Quebec Graduates
The diplomas eligible for the Quebec Graduate stream are:
- Bachelor’s degree (university undergraduate)
- Master’s degree (including an MBA)
- Doctorate
- Diplôme d’études collégiales techniques (DEC – Diploma of college studies, technical training)
- Diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP – Diploma of vocational studies) attesting to 1,800 hours or more of study
- Diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP – Diploma of vocational studies) followed by an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP – Attestation of vocational specialization) attesting to a minimum of 1,800 hours of continuing education and leading to a particular trade
To qualify under the PEQ Quebec Graduate stream:
- the diploma or degree must be granted by a university or by a public education institution located in Quebec
- recognized and designated by the Quebec government
- the international student must have lived in Quebec for at least half the duration of their study program
Fast-Track Priority Processing
PEQ applications are processed in approximately 20 business days and a CSQ is issued. After the CSQ is issued, the applicant can apply to IRCC for permanent residence status and must meet all IRCC qualifications to move to Canada.
Quebec Immigration:
Contact us today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly.
