The Quebec Experience program is an immigration pathway that allows students and skilled workers from all over the world to come to Quebec and live there as Canadian permanent residents. This is a very popular program, and some years see that the majority of permanent residents who immigrate to Quebec come to the province through the PEQ program – the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (The Canadian Experience Program – French).
Joining this program and getting a permanent residence is a two-step process. First of all, you must be eligible to receive the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ – Certificat de sélection du Québe). Then, you need to apply for the permanent residence. The permanent selection is done based on criminal or health admissibility (or inadmissibility). The selection conditions may vary depending on the country that you are coming from, and some additional requirements may be needed, but as long as you have no criminal record and are healthy, you can expect to be accepted with no issues.
What Is the Quebec Experience Program?
The Quebec permanent residency is an immigration goal for many, and the Quebec Experience problem allows you to get there. When it comes to the immigration professionals, this is a program that keeps them busy – as almost half (and sometimes even more) of total immigrants to Quebec come here through this program.
When it comes to the applicants that the program is intended for, it is meant to allow skilled temporary workers in the province of Quebec and foreign students in graduate or post-graduate studies to file for the certificate. The official application is then considered, the CSQ certificate issued and you can then apply for the Canada PR with the Federal Government. If all goes well, you can be accepted into Canada as a permanent resident in 1-2 years, depending on the mode of your application.
The two goal groups of immigrants (the students and the workers) represent two different streams: the International Student Stream and the Foreign Worker Stream. You will need to have a valid work permit to apply and you must have a diploma eligible for the program. The selection criteria are not 100% transparent, and they may change based on the successful completion of the previous draws of the program applicants and the current labour market needs in the province of Quebec.
Quebec Experience Program Application
How to get PR in Quebec? Well, you cannot. The Canadian PR is only issued by the federal government and it is clear that these two need not be confused. While the province of Quebec can issue to CSQ certificate, it is the government on the federal level that will need to decide on whether you receive the PR or not.
However, having received the certificate is a necessary step and a big plus when it comes to getting the PR. The official application means that your full-time work experience, French language proficiency, and all other requirements will be considered for you to receive the certificate. With this in mind, as the certificate already means that you have gotten up the immigration ladder to an extent, the rest should be all good.
If you are applying for the CSQ, you will need to show that you possess a high level of language ability. Advanced-Intermediate Level in French Proficiency is usually required, and you can prove this through:
- Approved language tests:
- TEF – Test d’évaluation de français
- TCF – Test de connaissance du français
- A final academic transcript showing that French language skills were among the language requirements for the program that you studied in and only if the study programs were all in French
- A regular license to practice from a professional order in Quebec
- Passing the Quebec values test or taking and passing a course on the Quebec values
It is important to note that, if immigration candidates apply for the CSQ with their spouse, they will need to have a minimum language level of 4 (band score). If you are applying for the skilled worker stream, the immigration procedures may not allow you to get the CSQQ if your French language is not sufficient. However, there is another beneficial immigration program that may be better suited for you: the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
International Student
PR in Quebec for international students is not easy to get, although it is not impossible either. When it comes to the application itself, and the eligibility criteria, you will need to have the following:
- Gotten a degree or high school diploma from the past 3 years (36 months) and from an educational institution that is recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education
- Have appropriate work experience, which does not have to be in connection to your studies
- Have a certain level of language knowledge: advanced-intermediate knowledge level should suffice, higher is better
- Have stayed in Quebec for at least a part of your study program
- Have legal status in Quebec, this should mean that you need to have a legal Temporary Quebec Residency
Requirements for Student Stream are strict, but it is necessary to make sure that the student has a legal status. Immigration experts from the federal government will not recognize illegal applications, even if the applicant has gotten their CSQ certificate. The immigration procedures for temporary foreign workers are slightly different.
Temporary Foreign Worker
Quebec immigration for skilled workers is a bit different from the student stream and the Skilled Worker Stream. To be eligible to obtain the CSQ under the PEQ (the Programme de l’expérience québécoise), you will need:
- To be employed in an NOC-recognized occupation at the skill level 0, A, or B – Quebec still uses the old NOC categorization but will switch to the new, TEER-based NOC categorization sometime in 2023
- Have spent a minimum period of 24 months working in Canada within 36 months before the application
- Have a desirable level of French knowledge (the same as for the student stream – advanced-intermediate level is necessary)
- Have a legal presence in Canada and be willing to stay and settle in Quebec
Quebec experience class program also imposes some other prerequisites. Namely, you will also need to have an intention to settle in Quebec, not other provinces. You will also need to be financially responsible and show that you have enough funds to support yourself and your spouse (if they are joining you) for at least three months. You will also need to be at least 18 years of age and have a valid passport from your domestic country.
Please beware that criminal or medical inadmissibility may stand in the way between you and Canadian PR – Permanent Residence. Canadian immigration options are plenty, but the immigration Canada services are very strict about who can or cannot be accepted. Suppose you have been declined before for not fulfilling any requirements for the worker stream. In that case, you may want to hire one of many Canadian immigration consultants to make sure you boost your chances of getting accepted this time.
The Quebec Experience immigration for workers is a great immigration pathway to Canada. Since Quebec is a French-speaking province, it has to insist on you being able to speak French, to ensure you can find your way once accepted in the province. When it comes to immigration objectives, Quebec, a picturesque province, is looking for immigrants who can help improve their province and their economy – for this reason, the immigration officers work double hard to make sure all eligible candidates get accepted.
PEQ Immigration Eligibility Criteria
Quebec PR requirements are not as simple as some may think. There are several prerequisites that you will need to follow through during your studies and later on to secure a spot for you in the next PR draw cycle. Here are the PEQ program prerequisites for students who would like to join this immigration process (educational criteria are in Quebec standard):
- You have respected the conditions of your stay and your study/work permit
- You intend to settle in Quebec and seek employment
- You are over 18 years of age and have a valid passport from your country of citizenship/origin
- You have a sufficient level of French language proficiency – advanced-intermediate or Level 7 for principal applicant and Level 4 for spouse, conjugal or common-law partner
- You have legal status in Quebec at the time of application
- You have enough funds to support both yourself and your spouse, conjugal or common-law partner for at least three months after the application is submitted
- Have completed an eligible diploma or degree study program
- Have gained eligible work experience in Quebec following your graduation. Work experience gained during the studies should be accepted as well and it does not have to be in the same field that you studied in.
- The work experience has to be at least 18 months long for DVS or AVS holders – vocational studies
- The work experience has to be at least 12 months long for all other eligible diplomas
- The work experience has to be in a profession that is on the NOC list, and it has to be in the NOC 0, A, or B category (does not need to be related to the field of your study) or C category (it has to be related to your studies)
- You need to have a valid work contract for a full-time job experience at the time of application
- If you are counting internship as legal working experience, you can do so for a maximum of three months if this was a full-time internship, or an equivalent if this was a part-time internship
- Have legally resided in Quebec for at least half of the study program length – for a 3-year study program, you will need to have spent at least a year and a half in Canada
- Have gained one of the eligible diplomas:
- Bachelor’s Degree – BA
- Master’s Degree – MA
- Master of Business Administration – MBA
- Ph.D.
- Diploma of College Studies with Technical Training – DCS
- Diploma of Vocational Studies – DVS with a minimum of 1800 hours of study time
- Diploma of Vocational Studies – DVS with an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS) – a minimum of 1,800 hours of study time
- You will need to have gotten the diploma within 36 months before your application submission
- You will need to have gotten the diploma through a full-time study experience
- You will need to have gotten the diploma through an educational institution in Quebec and recognized by Quebec
PEQ immigration program for temporary foreign workers, looking to make permanent selection applications are very similar to those applicable to students. Although these types of applications are different, the PEQ Quebec Experience Program foreign workers have the following eligibility criteria:
- You have respected the conditions of your stay and the conditions listed on your work permit
- You have intentions to settle in Quebec and to seek employment in Quebec
- You are 18 years of age or older and hold a valid passport from your country of citizenship
- you have a sufficient knowledge of the French language (this is a standard part of the application package, the application process will only accept you if you have a Level 7 knowledge of French from a TCF or TEF approved test) – the spouse, common-law or conjugal partner (if applicable) need to have their language abilities valued a Level 4 Band Score
- You have legal status in Canada and Quebec at the time of applying for the Quebec Experience program or you will not be considered
- You have financial means to support both yourself and your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner (if applicable) for a minimum of 3 months
- Have legal status in Quebec when applying for the Quebec Experience Program for Foreign Workers, which you got through:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Visa
- Working Holiday Program
- Young Professionals Program
- International Co-op Internship
- Have valid work experience that is:
- On the NOC list categories 0, A, and B (the old categorization of the NOC system)
- Is a legal job offer and your taxes are paid either by you or through tax withholding
- Is a paid work, no volunteer work is taken into consideration
- Is full-time work with a contract for a minimum of 30 hours a week
- Have been employed in the said position for at least 24 months in the 36 months before the application
Check Out Immigrate to Quebec | Quebec Immigration Program | Arrima Portal Quebec | Canada Immigration
PEQ Courses List: Eligible Areas of Training
The immigration Quebec PEQ program has a lot of prerequisites, but most of these are easy to achieve to get permanent residence status. For as long as your legal residence status is easy to confirm and for as long as your studies have been finished, you can join this program and gain the esteemed certificate. If you find a job in Quebec, this is a big plus. Now, here is the PEQ courses list Québec divided by the level of study program:
DEP (Diplôme d’études professionnelles)
DEP Programs (French) | English Translation |
---|---|
Arboriculture-élagage | Arboriculture and Pruning |
Assistance à la personne à domicile | Home Care Assistance |
Assistance technique en pharmacie | Pharmacy Technical Assistance |
Boucherie de détail | Retail Butchery |
Carrosserie | Auto Bodywork |
Charpenterie-menuiserie | Carpentry and Joinery |
Chaudronnerie | Boilermaking |
Conduite de procédés de traitement de l’eau | Water Treatment Process Operation |
Cuisine | Culinary Arts |
Électromécanique de systèmes automatisés | Electromechanical Automated Systems |
Extraction de minerai | Ore Extraction |
Ferblanterie-tôlerie | Sheet Metal Work |
Fonderie | Foundry Technology |
Forage et dynamitage | Drilling and Blasting |
Grandes cultures | Field Crop Production |
Régulation de vol | Flight Dispatching |
Installation et entretien de systèmes de sécurité | Security System Installation and Maintenance |
Installation et réparation d’équipement de télécommunication | Telecommunications Equipment Installation and Repair |
Mécanique agricole | Agricultural Mechanics |
Mécanique d’ascenseur | Elevator Mechanics |
Mécanique de machines fixes | Stationary Machine Mechanics |
Mécanique de protection contre les incendies | Fire Protection Mechanics |
Mécanique de véhicules lourds routiers | Heavy Road Vehicle Mechanics |
Mécanique d’engins de chantier | Construction Equipment Mechanics |
Mécanique industrielle de construction et d’entretien | Industrial Construction and Maintenance Mechanics |
Modelage | Molding |
Installation et fabrication de produits verriers | Glass Products Installation and Fabrication |
Plomberie et chauffage | Plumbing and Heating |
Production acéricole | Maple Syrup Production |
Réalisation d’aménagements paysagers | Landscaping |
Réfrigération | Refrigeration |
Santé, assistance et soins infirmiers | Health Assistance and Nursing Care |
Sciage | Sawing Operations |
Secrétariat | Secretarial Studies |
Soudage-montage | Welding and Assembly |
Techniques d’usinage | Machining Techniques |
Production animale | Animal Production |
ASP
French Term | English Translation |
---|---|
Fabrication de moules | Mold Manufacturing |
Matriçage | Die Forging |
Outillage | Tooling |
AEC ( Attestation d’étude collégiale)
French Term | English Translation |
---|---|
Gestion et technologies d’entreprise agricole | Agricultural Business Management and Technologies |
Techniques de génie aérospatial | Aerospace Engineering Techniques |
Technologie des procédés et de la qualité des aliments | Food Processing and Quality Technology |
Technologie de l’architecture | Architectural Technology |
Techniques d’avionique | Avionics Techniques |
Techniques de maintenance d’aéronefs | Aircraft Maintenance Techniques |
Techniques de la plasturgie | Plastics Processing Techniques |
Techniques de transformation des matériaux composites | Composite Materials Processing Techniques |
Technologie d’analyses biomédicales | Biomedical Analysis Technology |
Techniques de physiothérapie | Physiotherapy Techniques |
Techniques de thanatologie | Thanatology Techniques |
Soins infirmiers | Nursing Care |
Archives médicales | Medical Archiving |
Assainissement de l’eau | Water Sanitation |
Conseil en assurances et en services financiers | Insurance and Financial Services Consulting |
Environnement, hygiène et sécurité au travail | Environmental, Hygiene, and Workplace Safety |
Techniques de bureautique | Office Systems Techniques |
Gestion d’un établissement de restauration | Restaurant Management |
Techniques d’éducation à l’enfance | Early Childhood Education Techniques |
Techniques d’éducation spécialisée | Specialized Education Techniques |
Technologie de la géomatique | Geomatics Technology |
Technologie de l’électronique | Electronics Technology |
Technologie de l’estimation et de l’évaluation en bâtiment | Building Estimation and Evaluation Technology |
DEC ( Diplôme d’étude collégiale)
French Term | English Translation |
---|---|
Acupuncture | Acupuncture |
Archives médicales | Medical Archives |
Assainissement de l’eau | Water Sanitation |
Audioprothèse | Hearing Aid Acoustics |
Techniques d’avionique | Avionics Techniques |
Conseil en assurances et en services financiers | Insurance and Financial Services Consulting |
Techniques de maintenance d’aéronefs | Aircraft Maintenance Techniques |
Environnement, hygiène et sécurité au travail | Environmental, Health and Safety at Work |
Gestion et technologies d’entreprise agricole | Management and Agricultural Business Technologies |
Soins infirmiers | Nursing Care |
Soins préhospitaliers d’urgence | Prehospital Emergency Care |
Techniques de bureautique | Office Systems Techniques |
Techniques de génie aérospatial | Aerospace Engineering Techniques |
Techniques de denturologie | Denturology Techniques |
Techniques de diététique | Dietetic Techniques |
Techniques de génie chimique | Chemical Engineering Techniques |
Techniques de génie mécanique | Mechanical Engineering Techniques |
Techniques de génie mécanique de marine | Marine Mechanical Engineering Techniques |
Gestion d’un établissement de restauration | Restaurant Management |
Techniques de gestion hôtelière | Hotel Management Techniques |
Techniques de l’informatique | Computer Science Techniques |
Techniques de pilotage d’aéronefs | Aircraft Piloting Techniques |
Techniques de physiothérapie | Physiotherapy Techniques |
Techniques de santé animale | Animal Health Techniques |
Techniques de thanatologie | Thanatology Techniques |
Techniques de transformation des matériaux composites | Composite Material Processing Techniques |
Techniques de la plasturgie | Plastics Processing Techniques |
Techniques d’éducation à l’enfance | Early Childhood Education Techniques |
Techniques d’éducation spécialisée | Specialized Education Techniques |
Techniques d’électrophysiologie médicale | Medical Electrophysiology Techniques |
Techniques d’hygiène dentaire | Dental Hygiene Techniques |
Techniques d’inhalothérapie | Respiratory Therapy Techniques |
Techniques d’intégration multimédia | Multimedia Integration Techniques |
Techniques d’orthèses et de prothèses orthopédiques | Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Techniques |
Techniques d’orthèses visuelles | Visual Orthotics Techniques |
Techniques du meuble et d’ébénisterie | Furniture and Cabinetmaking Techniques |
Techniques équines | Equine Techniques |
Techniques juridiques | Legal Techniques |
Technologie d’analyses biomédicales | Biomedical Analysis Technology |
Technologie de la géomatique | Geomatics Technology |
Technologie de la mécanique du bâtiment | Building Mechanics Technology |
Technologie des procédés et de la qualité des aliments | Food Processing and Quality Technology |
Technologie de l’architecture | Architectural Technology |
Technologie de l’électronique | Electronics Technology |
Technologie de l’électronique industrielle | Industrial Electronics Technology |
Technologie de l’estimation et de l’évaluation en bâtiment | Building Estimation and Evaluation Technology |
Technologie de maintenance industrielle | Industrial Maintenance Technology |
Technologie de médecine nucléaire | Nuclear Medicine Technology |
Technologie de radiodiagnostic | Radiodiagnostic Technology |
Technologie de radio-oncologie | Radio-oncology Technology |
Technologie de systèmes ordinés | Ordinated Systems Technology |
Technologie du génie agromécanique | Agromechanical Engineering Technology |
Technologie des productions animales | Animal Production Technology |
Technologie du génie civil | Civil Engineering Technology |
Technologie du génie métallurgique | Metallurgical Engineering Technology |
Technologie du génie physique | Physical Engineering Technology |
Technologies de transformation de la cellulose | Cellulose Transformation Technologies |
Gestion de projet en communications graphiques | Graphic Communications Project Management |
Technologie minérale | Mineral Technology |
BAC ( Baccalauréat « licence »)
French Term | English Translation |
---|---|
Actuariat | Actuarial Science |
Administration des affaires | Business Administration |
Affaires sur le plan international | International Business |
Animation sociale ou communautaire | Social or Community Outreach |
Communications et journalisme | Communications and Journalism |
Comptabilité et sciences comptables | Accounting and Accountancy |
Criminologie | Criminology |
Français, en général et langue maternelle | French Language and Literature |
Français, langue seconde | French as a Second Language |
Géologie | Geology |
Gestion du personnel | Human Resources Management |
Gestion et administration des entreprises | Business Management and Administration |
Information de gestion | Management Information |
Langues et littératures françaises ou anglaises | French or English Languages and Literatures |
Marketing et achats | Marketing and Purchasing |
Mathématiques | Mathematics |
Météorologie et sciences de l’atmosphère | Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences |
Opérations bancaires et finance | Banking Operations and Finance |
Probabilités et statistiques | Probability and Statistics |
Relations industrielles | Industrial Relations |
Ressources naturelles | Natural Resources |
Sciences de l’activité physique | Physical Activity Sciences |
Sciences de l’informatique | Computer Science |
Sciences infirmières et nursing | Nursing Sciences |
Sciences physiques | Physical Sciences |
Service social | Social Work |
Sexologie | Sexology |
Traduction | Translation |
Urbanisme | Urban Planning |
Sciences domestiques | Home Economics |
Formation des enseignants au préscolaire | Preschool Teacher Education |
Architecture paysagiste | Landscape Architecture |
Architecture | Architecture |
Mathématiques appliquées | Applied Mathematics |
Économie rurale et agricole | Rural and Agricultural Economics |
Sciences fondamentales et sciences appliquées de la santé | Basic and Applied Health Sciences |
Psycho-éducation | Psychoeducation |
Psychologie | Psychology |
Ergothérapie | Occupational Therapy |
Orthophonie et audiologie | Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology |
Physiothérapie | Physiotherapy |
Agriculture | Agriculture |
Formation des enseignants au préscolaire et au primaire | Preschool and Primary Teacher Education |
Formation des enseignants au secondaire | Secondary Teacher Education |
Formation des enseignants spécialistes au primaire et au secondaire | Specialist Teacher Education for Primary and Secondary |
Génie aérospatial, aéronautique et astronautique | Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering |
Génie agricole et génie rural | Agricultural and Rural Engineering |
Génie alimentaire | Food Engineering |
Génie civil, de la construction et du transport | Civil, Construction and Transportation Engineering |
Génie électrique, électronique et des communications | Electrical, Electronic and Communication Engineering |
Génie forestier, foresterie et sciences du bois | Forestry Engineering and Wood Sciences |
Génie géologique | Geological Engineering |
Génie industriel et administratif | Industrial and Administrative Engineering |
Génie informatique et de la construction des ordinateurs | Computer Engineering and Computer Construction |
Génie mécanique | Mechanical Engineering |
Génie métallurgique et des matériaux | Metallurgical and Materials Engineering |
Génie minier | Mining Engineering |
Génie physique | Physical Engineering |
Géodésie | Geodesy |
Périnalité | Perinatology |
Pharmacie et sciences pharmaceutiques | Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences |
Ingénierie | Engineering |
Diététique et nutrition | Dietetics and Nutrition |
MAI ( Maîtrise)
French Term | English Translation |
---|---|
Bibliothéconomie et archivistique | Library and Information Science |
Didactique | Didactics |
Ergothérapie | Occupational Therapy |
Ethnologie et ethnographie | Ethnology and Ethnography |
Formation des enseignants au collégial | College Teacher Education |
Génie agro-forestier | Agroforestry Engineering |
Génie des pâtes et papiers | Pulp and Paper Engineering |
Génie nucléaire | Nuclear Engineering |
Gestion des services de santé | Health Services Management |
Orthophonie et audiologie | Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology |
Physiothérapie | Physiotherapy |
Santé communautaire et épidémiologie | Community Health and Epidemiology |
Pédagogie universitaire | University Pedagogy |
Éducation des adultes et formation permanente | Adult Education and Continuous Training |
Architecture | Architecture |
Architecture urbaine et aménagement | Urban Architecture and Planning |
Énergie | Energy |
Génétique | Genetics |
Hydrologie et sciences de l’eau | Hydrology and Water Sciences |
Médecine et chirurgie expérimentales | Experimental Medicine and Surgery |
Psycho-éducation | Psychoeducation |
Coopération | Cooperation |
Recherche opérationnelle | Operations Research |
Psychologie | Psychology |
DOC ( Doctoral Degree)
French Term | English Translation |
---|---|
Chiropratique | Chiropractic |
Médecine | Medicine |
Médecine dentaire | Dentistry |
Médecine vétérinaire | Veterinary Medicine |
Optométrie | Optometry |
Autres professions de la santé | Other Health Professions |
Psychologie | Psychology |
How Does the PEQ Affect Your Permanent Residence Application?
On the technical level, your PEQ can help you get your Permanent Residence faster. When you get to join the PEQ, you have to wait for the processing time to get the CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec) and once you have it, you can apply for permanent residence. When applying for the CSQ, you will have to do that on the Arrima portal, and you will be able to join one of the two Quebec Canadian immigration programs:
- Temporary Foreign Workers
- Québec Graduates
So, a PEQ application can help you get the Canada PR, as Canada uses this among many other immigration streams to meet their generous immigration targets. Although the prerequisites for the PEQ program are not too high, you may want to hire a good immigration consultant to get the immigration without hassle.
Quebec Experience Program Processing Time
Quebec Immigration Programs are generally among the fastest in the world. However, this does not mean that you will be able to get it within days or weeks. Getting the CSQ certificate in general takes up to a month, and paper-based applications are no longer accepted. You can always check the processing times online. When it comes to the PR, this may take a longer time:
- through Express Entry, it may take around six months to get the PR, and this is the highest-priority immigration program
- through paper-based applications (all other types but the Express Entry, even if they are submitted online), it can take the Canadian Immigration Visa Office 1-2 years to process your application form and all other documents you have sent in
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Get PR in Quebec?
For permanent residence in Quebec, you will need to get the CSQ certificate if you are applying through the PEQ program. After this, you will need to submit your PR application form. This can take between 6 months and two years to process, so you may need some 7-25 months for the full processing time.
How Many Points Are Required for Quebec Immigration?
This depends on the program that you are joining, and some programs do not have a points-based system to receive candidates for immigration. Under the EE, you will need as many CRS points as you can get. Under the QSWP, you will need 50 points if applying alone or 59 if applying with a spouse or a common-law partner. For the PEQ program, you will need to pass the eligibility criteria.
Can Someone Who Entered The Country Through The Quebec Skilled Worker Program Begin Working In Other Parts Of Canada?
Yes, you can. In fact, with any immigration program in Canada, you can live and work wherever you would like. However, if a province (such as Quebec) brought you into Canada, it is a sign of good manners to stay in Quebec, as you will be able to contribute to their society and economy.
Final Thoughts
The PEQ program is one of the most popular immigration pathways for immigration to Canada. This program is so popular that at times, over 50% of the total immigrants to Canada come there through this program alone. The prerequisites are strict, but not too high, and Quebec has a lot to offer to all who speak French and are willing to settle there.