PEQ 2025: Complete Guide to the Quebec Experience Program
What is the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)?
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is an accelerated permanent immigration pathway created by the Quebec government in 2010. Its main objective is to facilitate obtaining permanent residence for individuals who have already gained significant experience in Quebec, whether through work or studies. It is a program distinct from the federal Canadian system and the Arrima portal, as it is entirely managed by the Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI).
The PEQ stands out for its speed and administrative simplicity: it does not rely on a points system or regular draws. You are eligible if you meet the objective criteria of one of its two streams. That is why it is often considered the most direct gateway to Quebec citizenship.
The two PEQ streams: Skilled Workers (PVTQ) vs Quebec Graduates (PDQ)
The PEQ is divided into two main categories, each tailored to a specific profile. Although the official name of the program is unique, we commonly distinguish between the “worker stream” and the “graduate stream.”
Skilled Worker Stream (PEQ – Workers)
This stream is intended for temporary foreign workers who hold or have held a job in Quebec. To be eligible, you must:
• Have held a full-time job for at least 24 months out of the last 36 months (i.e., 2 years of work experience in Quebec).
• That job must be in a TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) – TEER 4 occupations are excluded, except for very limited exceptions (food processing trades).
• Have an advanced oral French level (minimum B2 in listening and speaking) – attested by a standardized test (TEF, TCF, DELF, DALF) or by a certificate of completion of a French-language study program.
Quebec Graduate Stream (PEQ – Graduates)
This stream is designed for foreign students who have obtained a recognized diploma in Quebec. The conditions are as follows:
• Have obtained a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) of 1,800 hours or more, a Diploma of College Studies (DCS) (technical), a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a doctorate, from a recognized Quebec educational institution.
• Have held a full-time job in Quebec for 12 months out of the last 24 months (for DVS graduates, the job must be in the same field as the diploma; for higher-level diplomas, the job can be in any TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 field).
• Have an advanced oral French level (B2) – same requirement as for the worker stream.
Detailed eligibility criteria for each stream
For the Skilled Worker Stream (PVTQ)
• Work experience: 24 months full-time (minimum 30 hours/week) in a paid, declared, and legal job. Unpaid internships do not count.
• Occupation: Must be TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC. Jobs in food services, retail sales, or administration are often eligible.
• Situation at the time of application: You must be in Quebec, with legal status (valid work permit or maintained status).
• Age: No maximum age limit, but you must be under 60 to be eligible for federal permanent residence.
For the Graduate Stream (PDQ)
• Eligible diplomas: A DVS (Diploma of Vocational Studies) of at least 1,800 hours, a technical DCS (Diploma of College Studies), a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a doctorate. University certificates (DESS, undergraduate certificates) are not eligible.
• Work experience: 12 months full-time (cumulative) in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job. For DVS, the job must be in the same field as the diploma (e.g., a DVS in welding requires a job as a welder).
• Situation at the time of application: You must have completed your studies less than 36 months (3 years) ago. If you worked after your studies, the experience must have been acquired within the 24 months preceding the application.
Advantages of the PEQ over other programs
The PEQ offers significant advantages over other immigration programs:
1. Speed: Processing time is 6 to 8 months (compared to 12 to 18 months for Arrima and 6 to 12 months for Express Entry, but with random selection). 2. Simplicity: No points system, no ranking, no draws. If you meet the conditions, you are accepted (except for health or security issues). 3. No job offer required: Unlike Arrima, which often requires a validated job offer (LMIA), the PEQ does not need one for graduates. For workers, the job simply must have been held legally. 4. Stability: The PEQ is a “closed” program (criteria are fixed), unlike Arrima which can be modified at any time by the government. 5. Access to Francization: PEQ candidates benefit from free French assessment and training services offered by the MIFI.
Complete application steps for each stream
Common steps for both streams
1. Check your eligibility: Ensure you meet the conditions for diploma, experience, and language. 2. Take a French test: Take a recognized test (TEF Canada, TCF Québec, DELF/DALF) and obtain a minimum B2 oral result. 3. Prepare your documents: Gather all documents (diplomas, transcripts, pay stubs, employment contracts, etc.). 4. Create an Arrima account: The PEQ is now done via the Arrima platform. Create an account and submit your application online. 5. Pay the fees: Processing fees are $895 CAD (for an adult) + $187 for spouse and $224 per child (2025 rates). 6. Receive the CSQ: If your application is approved, you will receive the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). 7. Apply for federal permanent residence: With the CSQ, you must apply for permanent residence with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) – additional processing time of 12 to 18 months.
Specific steps for the Graduate Stream
• You must have completed your studies less than 36 months ago.
• Include a certificate of completion or official diploma.
• Provide transcripts from your program.
Specific steps for the Worker Stream
• You must have accumulated 24 months of work experience in Quebec.
• Provide pay stubs, employment records (Relevé 1), and employment contracts.
• Your employer must have complied with labor laws (minimum wage, overtime, etc.).
Processing times and approval rates
• CSQ processing time: 6 to 8 months on average (sometimes 4 months for simple cases). The MIFI has committed to processing complete applications in under 6 months since the 2024 reform.
• Federal processing time: 12 to 18 months after receiving the CSQ (IRCC processes Quebec applicants separately, but delays are longer).
• Approval rate: Very high, between 85% and 95% for complete and compliant applications. Refusals are often related to language issues (B2 level not achieved) or missing documents.
Required documents
Here is the exhaustive list of documents to provide (for both streams):
• For language: French test result (TEF, TCF, DELF, DALF) or certificate of completion of a French-language study program (if you studied in Quebec in French).
• For identity: Valid passport, birth certificate, recent photo.
• For work experience: Pay stubs (pay slips), employment records (Relevé 1), employment contracts, employer recommendation letters.
• For studies (graduate stream): Official diploma, transcripts, certificate of completion.
• For family situation: Marriage certificates, children's birth certificates, custody documents (if applicable).
• For situation in Quebec: Proof of legal status (work permit, study permit, visitor visa).
• Other: Criminal record (if requested), proof of residence (lease, bills).
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Underestimating the French requirement: Oral B2 is mandatory. A failed test or B1 level leads to automatic refusal. Do not rely on a non-official “francization certificate.” 2. Not respecting deadlines: For graduates, the application must be made within 36 months of obtaining the diploma. For workers, the experience must be within the last 36 months. 3. Mixing up streams: A graduate of a 1,800-hour DVS can apply to the graduate stream but must have a job in the same field. A worker with 24 months of experience can apply to the worker stream, even without a Quebec diploma. 4. Forgetting to declare a spouse: If you are in a relationship (married or common-law), you must include your spouse in the application. Omitting this information can lead to refusal. 5. Providing incomplete documents: Pay stubs must cover the entire employment period. A gap of a few weeks can be problematic. 6. Changing jobs during processing: If you change jobs or status (e.g., switching from a work permit to a study permit), you must inform the MIFI immediately.
Tips to maximize your chances of success
1. Prepare your French file in advance: Register for a French test (TEF Canada or TCF Québec) at least 6 months before submitting your application. If you are in France, prefer the TCF Québec (cheaper and faster). 2. Keep a copy of all your documents: Scan and organize your pay stubs, contracts, and employment records. The MIFI may request additional documents. 3. Be rigorous with dates: Use a calendar to track employment periods and 36-month deadlines. 4. Consult an immigration lawyer or consultant: If your case is complex (change of status, TEER 4 occupation, dependent spouse), a professional can help you avoid costly mistakes. 5. Stay in Quebec during processing: You must be physically present in Quebec at the time of application. If you leave Quebec for an extended period, your application could be refused. 6. Anticipate the federal application: As soon as you receive the CSQ, prepare your permanent residence application (medical exams, police clearance, photos). This will reduce the overall processing time. 7. Take advantage of Francization services: If your French level is low, take French courses offered by the MIFI (free for temporary residents). A solid B2 level is your best asset.
In conclusion, the PEQ is an exceptional immigration program for individuals who already have concrete experience in Quebec. Its simplicity and speed make it a powerful tool for obtaining permanent residence, provided you scrupulously meet the language, experience, and document criteria. With good preparation and attention to detail, you can turn your temporary stay into a permanent life in Quebec.
