Programme de l'Experience Quebecoise (PEQ) Guide

What Is the PEQ Program?

The Programme de l'experience quebecoise (PEQ) is a fast-track immigration program that allows foreign workers and international graduates who have already gained experience in Quebec to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). The PEQ is specifically designed for individuals who have demonstrated their ability to integrate into Quebec society through meaningful work or study in the province. Because applicants already have direct Quebec experience, PEQ applications are typically processed faster than those under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).

The PEQ recognizes that individuals who have already lived, worked, or studied in Quebec are well-positioned to succeed as permanent residents because they have firsthand experience with the province's culture, language, labor market, and way of life. This makes PEQ one of the most practical and accessible pathways for people already in Quebec.

Two Streams of the PEQ

The PEQ has two distinct streams, each with its own eligibility requirements and target population:

Stream 1: Quebec Graduates

This stream is for international students who have completed a qualifying educational program at a recognized Quebec institution. To be eligible, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Qualifying program: You must have completed one of the following programs in Quebec: a bachelor's degree program (3 or 4 years), a master's degree program, a doctoral degree program, a Diploma of College Studies (DEC) in a technical training program of at least 1,800 hours, a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) of at least 1,800 hours, or a combination of an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (ASP) paired with a DEP totaling at least 1,800 hours.
• French language proficiency: You must demonstrate French language proficiency at level 7 (equivalent to B2 on the CEFR) or higher in oral comprehension and oral expression on an approved test. Accepted tests include the TEFaQ, TCF Quebec, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada. Alternatively, you may be exempt from the language test if you completed at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary education entirely in French.
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Immigration status: You must hold or have held a valid immigration status in Canada during your studies (for example, a study permit, work permit, post-graduation work permit, or implied status while waiting for a renewal).

Stream 2: Temporary Foreign Workers

This stream is for temporary workers who have gained substantial qualifying work experience in Quebec. The requirements are as follows:

See also: Canada Student Visa Guide

• Work experience: At least 24 months of full-time work experience in Quebec within the 36 months preceding your application. The work must be in a skilled occupation at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). Part-time work may be counted on a pro-rata basis, meaning you can combine part-time hours to reach the full-time equivalent.
• Work authorization: The work experience must have been gained while you held a valid work permit or other legal authorization to work in Quebec, such as an open work permit or employer-specific work permit.
• French language proficiency: Same requirements as the graduate stream: level 7 (B2) or higher in oral comprehension and oral expression on an approved French language test.
• Age: At least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Immigration status: You must hold or have held valid immigration status in Canada during the qualifying work period.

Quebec Values and Democratic Principles

Since reforms to the PEQ program, applicants are required to demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to Quebec's democratic values. This is assessed through a Quebec values attestation that covers fundamental principles such as:

See also: How to Find Your NOC Code

• The French language as the official and common public language of Quebec
• Gender equality between women and men
• Secularism of the Quebec state and separation of state and religion
• Rights and responsibilities in a democratic society, including respect for the law
• Rejection of violence as a means of resolving conflicts

You may be required to complete an online learning activity about Quebec values and provide an attestation of having done so. Some applicants may also be called for an interview to discuss their understanding of these values. Check the current requirements on the MIFI PEQ page before applying.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Here is the detailed step-by-step process for applying through the PEQ:

1. Verify your eligibility: Carefully confirm that you meet all the requirements for either the graduate stream or the temporary worker stream. Review the official MIFI checklist for your specific stream.
2. Take a French language test: If you are not exempt from the language requirement, schedule and complete an approved French language test. Aim for the highest score possible to avoid any issues, though the minimum requirement is level 7 (B2) in oral comprehension and oral expression. Register for the test well in advance, as popular test dates fill up quickly.
3. Complete the Quebec values learning activity: If required, complete the online values learning module and obtain your attestation of completion.
4. Gather your documents: Collect all required supporting documents, including your diploma or official completion letter, transcripts, work experience letters (for the worker stream), French language test results, passport, proof of Quebec residency, and any other documents specified in the checklist.
5. Create an Arrima account: Applications for PEQ are submitted through the Arrima portal. Create your account and verify your email address.
6. Submit your application: Complete the online PEQ application form, upload all supporting documents in the required format, and pay the application fee.
7. Wait for a decision: PEQ applications are generally processed within 6 months, though times can vary depending on application volumes and the complexity of your case.
8. Receive your CSQ: If approved, you will receive a Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ), which confirms that Quebec has selected you as an immigrant.
9. Apply for federal permanent residence: Submit your PR application to IRCC along with your CSQ, completed medical exams with an IRCC-approved panel physician, police certificates from every country where you have lived for six months or more since age 18, and other federal requirements.

Required Documents Checklist

Prepare the following documents before applying to ensure a smooth submission:

See also: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence

• Valid passport (all pages, including blank pages)
• Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• Diploma, degree, or official completion letter from a recognized Quebec institution (graduate stream)
• Official transcripts from your Quebec educational institution showing courses completed and grades (graduate stream)
• Detailed work experience letters from each Quebec employer (worker stream), including: job title, comprehensive description of main duties, exact dates of employment (start and end), hours worked per week, and salary or hourly wage
• Pay stubs, T4 tax slips, or Releve 1 forms confirming employment and income in Quebec (worker stream)
• French language test results from an approved test (TEFaQ, TCF Quebec, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada), showing scores for each ability
• Proof of Quebec residency, such as a residential lease, utility bills, or bank statements showing a Quebec address
• Quebec values attestation or proof of completion of the values learning activity (if required)
• Passport-sized photos meeting Quebec's technical specifications
• Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship (if applicable)
• Documents for dependent children, including birth certificates and custody documents (if applicable)

Fees

The PEQ application fee for the principal applicant is currently CAD $851. Additional fees apply for a spouse or common-law partner (CAD $186) and each dependent child (CAD $186). These are the Quebec provincial fees only. Federal permanent residence fees are separate and include CAD $850 per adult applicant and CAD $230 per dependent child, plus the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of CAD $515 per adult. Budget for both the provincial and federal fees when planning your immigration costs.

See also: Understanding Your Canadian Pay Stub

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not meeting the French language minimum: Level 7 (B2) in oral comprehension and oral expression is mandatory with no exceptions (unless you qualify for the education-based exemption). Many applicants underestimate this requirement and score below the threshold. Start preparing for the test well in advance and consider taking French courses.
• Insufficient work experience documentation: For the worker stream, your work reference letters must be highly detailed and specific. Generic letters that do not list job duties, exact employment dates, and hours per week will not be accepted by MIFI assessors.
• Applying before completing requirements: Make sure you have actually completed your educational program or accumulated the full 24 months of qualifying work experience before submitting your application. Premature applications will be refused and your fees will not be refunded.
• Ignoring the values requirement: Do not overlook the Quebec values attestation. Check the current requirements and complete all necessary steps before applying. Missing this component can delay or jeopardize your application.
• Letting your immigration status expire: Maintain valid immigration status in Canada throughout the application process. If your work permit or study permit is expiring, apply for an extension or bridging open work permit before it lapses. Working or studying without valid status can disqualify you.

PEQ vs. QSWP: Which Is Right for You?

If you already have Quebec work experience or a Quebec diploma, PEQ is usually the better choice because it is faster, does not require going through the Arrima invitation process, and recognizes your existing integration into Quebec. The QSWP is better suited for candidates who are applying from outside Canada or who do not have Quebec-specific work or educational experience. Both programs lead to a CSQ and ultimately to permanent residence, but the pathway and timeline differ significantly. You can learn more about the QSWP by reading our Quebec Skilled Worker Program Guide.

Practical Tips

If you are currently studying or working in Quebec and considering PEQ, start your French language preparation as early as possible. The language requirement is the most common barrier for applicants, and achieving the required level takes sustained effort. Also, keep meticulous records of your employment from the start, including every pay stub, tax document, and reference letter from every employer. Being organized from the beginning will make the application process much smoother when the time comes to apply.