Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) | Overview & Latest Updates
The – Programme de l’expérience québécoise – Québec experience program (PEQ) is a simplified fast-track process leading to permanent residence. The Quebec Experience Program is for the French-speaking foreign student who is a Québec graduate or a temporary foreign worker.
The PEQ has two streams, one for workers in Quebec, and the other for students and graduates who attended a post-secondary program in Quebec:
You must meet the general conditions of the program and the specific conditions of the stream in which you submit your application. Candidates must have acquired work experience in Québec and be employed at the time they submit the application.
Applicants who apply successfully through the PEQ receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, CSQ), which is required in order to immigrate permanently to the province.
Potential applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the PEQ, but who have experience working or studying in Quebec, may be eligible to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
The Latest Updates on Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) | Quebec PEQ changes
- Starting July 22, 2021, spouses included in PEQ applications must demonstrate spoken knowledge of French of at least level 4 on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes.
- Since January 26, 2021, PEQ applicants have to submit their applications, pay the required fees and upload the required documents through the Arrima portal. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.
- All foreign students who obtained a diploma eligible under the PEQ or will obtain one by December 31, 2020, can submit an application for permanent selection based on the selection conditions in place before July 22, 2020.
- Temporary foreign workers who hold a valid work permit or another authorization to work under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, and who were living in Québec. As of July 21, 2020, will be able to submit an application for permanent selection based on the conditions in effect before July 22, 2020.
Overview of Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
Immigration to Quebec under the PEQ has a two-step process.
- Applicants must be eligible to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ);
- With a CSQ, the applicant may then apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence. This stage is just to check for potential medical and security issues.
You must meet the general conditions of the program and the specific conditions of the stream in which you submit your application. Candidates must have acquired work experience in Québec and be employed at the time they submit the application.
Applicants who apply successfully through the PEQ receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, CSQ), which is required in order to immigrate permanently to the province.
Potential applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the PEQ, but who have experience working or studying in Quebec, may be eligible to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
All applicants for permanent residence through Quebec immigration programs require to show they understand Quebec values. This can be done by passing a Quebec values test or completing a course in Quebec values.
What is the requirements for Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
All PEQ Applicants Must Meet The Following General Requirements For The Program:
- Have respected the conditions of your stay.
- Intend to settle in Québec to hold a job.
- Are 18 years of age or older.
- Applicants are legally in Québec at the time of application.
- Must prove advanced-intermediate or better French oral expression and comprehension skills in order to be considered eligible. Proof may come in the form of:
- Requirements of a professional order.
- Results of an approved language test.
- A final transcript showing the successful completion of at least three years of secondary or post-secondary full-time study pursued entirely in French, or
- A regular licence to practice from a professional order in Quebec or an attestation of the fulfillment of the language requirements of a professional order.
- Show advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French; accompanying spouses must also demonstrate knowledge of the French language.
- Able to provide for their needs and, where applicable, those of their spouse or common in law, and dependent children included in their application for a certificate de sélection du Québec (CSQ), for a minimum period of 3 months.
Accepted French-Language Tests or Courses
- 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).
How long does it take to process PEQ Quebec?
Under the PEQ program, the selection decisions are made solely from the information and documentary evidence submitted on file, and this is not a points-based program.
This program is a simplified process: PEQ processing time is a lot faster than a regular application. These applications are priority processed, usually within less than twenty working days. However, If the application didn’t have the correct documents and information, it can be returned and even rejected. That is, meaning loss of the applicant opportunity. Then the applicant will have to submit a new application under the regular skilled worker procedure with a longer procedure time frame.
Once the CSQ is issued, the applicant will apply for permanent residence to the federal government to conclude a health and security check.
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