Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

Quebec Experience Program

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

The Quebec Government encourages foreign workers working in Quebec and international students completing a program of post secondary studies in Quebec, to permanently remain in the province. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a simplified fast-track process leading to permanent residence for the two categories of applicants. The program allows international students and temporary foreign workers  to apply for permanent residence from within Quebec, after completing a period of qualified work or approved studies.

International Student information for Quebec Experience Program:

Foreign students who have studied in Quebec may be eligible to apply for a CSQ under the Quebec Experience Program if they:

  • show intention to settle in Quebec to hold a job;
  • have stayed temporarily in Quebec for the purposes of study;
  • have obtained an eligible degree or diploma from an educational institution recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education within the past 36 months;
  • have studied in Quebec for at least 1,800 hours (two years); and
  • show that he or she has successfully completed an advanced intermediate level French course at a Quebec educational institution, if his or her studies were not completed in French, or prove French ability by way of a standardized language test recognized by the Government of Quebec.

MIDI will not issue a CSQ until the applicant submits a complete transcript and an attestation of successful completion of diploma.

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

Temporary Foreign Worker information for Quebec Experience Program:

Temporary Foreign Workers in Quebec may be eligible to apply for a CSQ under the Quebec Experience Program if they:

  • show intention to settle in Quebec to hold a job;
  • have stayed temporarily in Quebec for the purposes of work;
  • have had full-time work experience in Quebec for at least 12 months of the 24 months preceding the submission of an application;
  • have legal status in Quebec as a temporary worker or as part of a youth exchange program, such as International Experience Canada (IEC) (Working Holiday, Young Professionals or International Co-op Internship).
  • are employed at the time of the application; and
  • can show that they have successfully completed an advanced intermediate level French course at a Quebec educational institution, if the studies were not completed in French, or prove French ability by way of a standardized language test recognized by the Government of Quebec. Alternatively, they can show that they have satisfied the French language requirements of the professional order governing their occupation in Quebec.

Full-time Work Experience for the PEQ

The MIDI considers a minimum of 30 hours of paid work per week as full-time employment. Full-time work experience acquired as an international student while on a Post-Graduation Work Permit or under a Youth Exchange/International Experience Canada (IEC) Program may be taken into account if the applicant meets all PEQ requirements. MIDI will not consider any period of part-time work, self-employment, or entrepreneurial work under the PEQ.