Conditions to Qualify Under Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) – Quebec Graduate

The Quebec Experience Program (Quebec Graduate Stream), enables qualified international students, on a valid study permit, to apply for permanent residence after successfully completing approved full-time studies in an eligible study program in Quebec and after gathering the required work experience.

The target processing time for the program is six months.

A series of changes were made to the PEQ requirements on July 22, 2020. There are also a series of transitional measures in place for certain candidates already in Quebec when the requirements were changed.

International students who have the required finances and other qualifications must first obtain admission to an eligible study program and must obtain a study permit to study in Canada.

Conditions to qualify for the Quebec PEQ program (Graduate of Quebec Stream):

Completion of one of the following eligible diplomas

• Bachelor Degree (University Undergraduate);
• Maitrise/Master (et le MBA), Doctorat ;
• DEC – diploma of college studies, technical training;
• DEP – diploma of vocational studies) attesting to 1800 hours of study or more;
• DEP followed by ASP – attestation of vocational specialization) attesting to a minimum of 1800 hours of continuing education and leading to a particular trade

You must have resided temporarily in Quebec for at least half of the study program on a study permit and have respected the conditions of your stay.

Work Experience

Holders of a technical college diploma, a bachelor’s, a master’s or a doctorate:

• Full-time work experience of at least 12 months after the end of the study program in a job at NOC level 0, A or B.
• Hold a full-time job at NOC level 0, A or B at the time of the application.
• Work experience acquired through a full- or part-time internship as part of the course may be recognized up to a maximum of three months.

Holders of a Diploma of Vocational Studies, alone or with an Attestation of Vocational Specialization:

• Full-time work experience of at least 18 months after the end of the study program in a job at NOC level 0, A, B or C.
• Hold a full-time job at NOC level 0, A, B or C at the time of the application.
• Work experience at NOC level 0, A or B, does not have to be related to the study program.
• Work experience at NOC level C must be related to the diploma obtained in Quebec.
• Work experience acquired through a full- or part-time internship as part of the course may be recognized up to a maximum of three months.

Knowledge of advanced intermediate oral French

In order to meet the French language requirement, candidates must choose one of five options:

1. If you pursue studies in one of the eligible diploma programs listed above, completely in French, this confirms your knowledge of the required French language level; Or
2. Providing an attestation of results of a French test or diploma recognized by the authorities that demonstrates B2 (intermediate) French in oral comprehension and production; Or 
3. Providing a regular licence to practise from a professional order in Québec or an attestation of the fulfilment of the language requirements of a professional order in Québec or an attestation of successful completion of an examination administered by the Office québécois de la langue française for the purposes of obtaining a regular licence to practise.
4. Providing a final transcript to attest to the successful completion of at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study completed entirely in French.

NOTE: You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid passport and, if you are submitting your application within Canada, be legally residing in Québec at the time of submission of your application.

When to submit an application?

You may submit your application no later than 36 months following receipt of your degree or diploma.

Starting in October 2018, candidates are no longer permitted to submit their application 6 months prior to obtaining their diploma. They are required to have graduated and provided the diploma or an attestation of successful completion as well as the final transcript of their grades in order to submit an application.

Financial Requirements

In order to pursue studies in Quebec, proof of unencumbered available funds is required to cover tuition and living expenses.

Tuition is estimated at $15,000 a year. This amount varies between institutions and study programs.

In addition to tuition, you must have adequate funds to support yourself and any family members that would accompany you.

When you submit an application under PEQ, you will be required to sign an undertaking to provide for your basic needs and, where applicable, those of your accompanying dependents, for a minimum period of three months.

The undertaking is under the form of a Contract respecting financial self-sufficiency.

You are not eligible for the Quebec Experience Program if:

• you hold a bursary with a clause stipulating a return to your country unless you have already fulfilled this condition;
• you have started a new study program in Québec.