PEQ – Quebec Experience Program
Phase 1 (July 2 – October 31, 2026) accepts applications with no cap, but is open only to those who already met eligibility requirements as of November 19, 2025 — meaning workers must have accumulated 24 months of qualifying work experience in Quebec by that date, and graduates must have obtained their eligible diploma by that date. Phase 2 details will be announced after Phase 1 concludes. Contact NLAi to assess your eligibility.
The Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ – Québec Experience Program) is a streamlined permanent residence pathway for temporary foreign workers and Quebec graduates with French proficiency. Approved applicants receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) from the Quebec government, then apply to IRCC for Canadian permanent residence. PEQ does not use a points grid, and the spouse’s profile does not affect the principal applicant’s eligibility.
Stream 1: Temporary Foreign Workers
- At least 24 months of full-time work (30+ hrs/week) in Quebec within the 36 months before applying, in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (non-continuous experience is acceptable)
- Currently employed full-time in Quebec in an eligible occupation at time of application, with valid work authorization
- French proficiency at Level 7 (oral) on the Quebec scale — written French is not required for this stream
- Intend to settle in Quebec for employment; cannot be self-employed or work for an employer you control
Stream 2: Quebec Graduates
- Hold an eligible Quebec diploma obtained within 3 years of application and (Phase 1) no later than November 19, 2025: bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree; 3-year technical DEC; or vocational DEP or DEP+ASP of 1,800+ hours
- Resided in Quebec for at least 50% of your program duration
- At least 75% of your courses/credits completed in French (or 3 years of French-medium secondary or post-secondary study)
- French proficiency at Level 7 (oral) and Level 5 (written)
- Currently residing in Quebec at the time of application
Requirements for Both Streams
- At least 18 years old with a valid passport
- Legally residing in Quebec; physically present at application submission
- Able to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for yourself and any accompanying family members
- Spouse/partner (if included): French Level 4 (oral)
Accepted French Tests: TEFAQ, TCF-Québec, TCF-Canada, TEF, TEF Canada, TCF, DELF, DALF
Application Process
- Confirm eligibility under the worker or graduate stream
- Register on the Arrima platform and complete the application form
- Submit supporting documents and pay government fees: principal applicant CAD $921; spouse/partner $197; each dependent child $197
- Upon approval, receive your CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec)
- Apply to IRCC for Canadian permanent residence
Note: Quebec rescinded its previous 6-month processing time guarantee in June 2026. Current processing times are not guaranteed.