Quebec Experience Program / Class(PEQ)
Quebec Experience Class – Immigration course
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Quebec Experience Class Immigration Program
The Quebec Experience Class Program, or PEQ for “Programme de l’expérience québécoise” is an accelerated immigration program that allows international students, or temporary foreign workers, to apply for Immigration to Canada and to establish themselves permanently in Quebec. The process for the PEQ is even more simplified than the CEC (Canadian Experience Class), and applicants will be able to qualify sooner under the PEQ than under the CEC, thereby enabling them to come to Canada quicker.
Fast-Track Immigration for Students and Workers
Under the Quebec Experience Class Program, a foreign student, or temporary foreign worker, can apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate, or CSQ for “Certificat de Sélection du Québec”, which is a document that allows the holder to immigrate to Quebec, and to take advantage of the social benefits associated with immigrating to Quebec.
Quebec Experience Class requirements
If you have studied or worked in the province of Quebec, you may be eligible to immigrate under this fast-track Canadian immigration program.
Under the Quebec Experience Class (Programme de l’expérience Québécoise, or PEQ), there are two categories: one for foreign students, and another for Temporary Foreign Workers.
Applying to immigrate to Quebec under any category is a two-step process in which an applicant first applies for Certificat de Sélection du Quebec(Quebec Selection Certificate, a document that allows the holder to immigrate to Quebec, commonly known as a CSQ). Once the applicant obtains a CSQ, he or she must then submit their application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for federal approval before their Canadian Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa can be issued. Federal immigration authorities are responsible for processing criminal and medical checks.
Foreign students will be eligible to apply under this program if they:
- Have obtained a degree or diploma from an educational institution recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education;
- Have studied in Quebec for at least 1,800 hours (two years); and
- Show that have successfully completed an intermediate level French course at a Quebec educational institution, if their studies were not completed in French.
Temporary Foreign Workers in Quebec will be eligible to apply under this program if they:
- Have 12 months of Quebec work experience in a skilled, managerial or professional occupation in the 24 months prior to their application:
- Are employed and show legal status in Quebec at the time of their application; and
- Show that have successfully completed an intermediate level French course at a Quebec educational institution, or provide results of a standardized French proficiency test. Alternatively, they can show that they have satisfied the French language requirements of the professional order governing their occupation in Quebec.
Quebec immigration authorities expect the assessment of applications under the PEQ to be completed on a fast-track basis.
It is important to note that all applications from individuals who have obtained a CSQ are processed in their own priority queue at the federal level.
| Aspect | Key Details | Why It Matters for Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Program Overview | Accelerated pathway for international students and temporary foreign workers in Quebec | Enables faster access to permanent residence than similar federal programs |
| Two Main Categories | 1. International students 2. Temporary foreign workers | Tailors requirements to applicant’s specific background |
| Eligibility – Students | Quebec-recognized degree/diploma; at least 1,800 hours (2 years) of study; French language proof if program not in French | Ensures integration into Quebec’s education system and workforce |
| Eligibility – Workers | 12 months of Quebec work experience (skilled, managerial, professional) in past 24 months; current employment and legal status; French proficiency proof | Recognizes professional contributions to Quebec’s economy |
| Language Requirement | Intermediate French proven through Quebec institution, standardized test, or professional order recognition | Facilitates integration into Quebec’s predominantly French-speaking environment |
| Application Steps | Step 1: Apply for CSQ Step 2: Submit federal PR application with medical and security checks | Clear, two-stage process with priority handling for CSQ holders |
| Processing Speed | Fast-track at both Quebec and federal levels for CSQ holders | Reduces total wait time for permanent residency |
| Advantages of PEQ | Flexible education criteria, large quota, shorter processing time, lower settlement funds, right to live anywhere in Canada | Makes Quebec one of the most accessible immigration destinations |
| Settlement Flexibility | PR holders may live in Quebec or relocate elsewhere in Canada | Offers choice while benefiting from Quebec’s selection process |
| French Proficiency Benefits | Strong language skills increase employability and integration | Can also lead to better points in other immigration streams |
Advantages of immigrating to Quebec
Immigrating to Quebec is one of the best options for those looking to immigrate to Canada. Below are some of the advantages for immigrating to Quebec:
- The immigration program of Quebec is more flexible because it allows applicants with either a college or university education to immigrate;
- Quebec has the second largest immigration quota following the federal immigration quota;
- The processing time is shorter than that of the Canada federal program;
- Immigrating to Quebec allows permanent residents to live in Quebec, or to relocate anywhere else in Canada.
- The amount of settlement funds required is lower.
Once an applicant successfully passes the Quebec immigration interview, they will receive a CSQ, thus confirming successful completion of the Quebec selection process. Recent changes in the federal immigration law in Canada did not affect the immigration legislation of Quebec and applicants who have received an immigration visa through the program of Quebec can live anywhere in Canada.
Maximizing Your Chances in the Quebec Experience Program
The PEQ is one of the most efficient ways to transition from temporary status to permanent residency in Canada, but it requires precise eligibility documentation and proof of French proficiency. Working with an experienced immigration consultant ensures you meet the program’s exact requirements, whether you are applying as a student or as a worker. They can help you prepare your Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) application, gather work or study proof, and navigate the federal stage after Quebec approval. For many, the PEQ is not just a fast-track to Quebec — it’s also a strategic route to living and working anywhere in Canada while benefiting from Quebec’s immigration advantages.