CHANGES TO QUEBEC EXPERIENCE PROGRAM - PEQ

Quebec has introduced major changes to the requirements that international students and those with work experience in Quebec must meet in order to obtain permanent residence.

The changes affect the Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l’expérience québécoise, or PEQ). Some changes take effect on November 1, 2019, while others only start in the new year.

Quebec Work Experience considered as under:

• Occupations must fall under New In-Demand list
• Experience gained under NOC 0, A, or B must be minimum 12 months
• Experience gained under NOC C or D must be minimum 18 months

International students applying to the PEQ will have to ensure their area of training is one of the Quebec degrees listed under sections A and B of Quebec’s Area of Training list.

In addition, international students who are enrolled in a 900-hour Quebec program will be required to complete six months of work experience following their studies. The work experience must be related to their field of study. 

Language requirements

As of January 1, 2020, changes to language requirements will affect both groups of PEQ applicants.

In order to demonstrate their French proficiency applicants will have three options:

• take a standardized test;
• meet the criteria set by a professional order; or
• complete at least three years of full-time studies in French at the secondary or postsecondary level.

New language requirements will also be imposed on spousal visa applicants.

Both the applicant and their spouse will have to demonstrate a high intermediate level of French, or a CLB 7 or 8.