The Québec Experience Program (PEQ) lets some people who have studied or worked in Québec apply for permanent selection by Québec. If the application is accepted, Québec issues a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which then allows you to apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
The PEQ right now
Under the rules currently published by the Government of Québec, the program is reopened from July 2, 2026 to July 2, 2028. A first intake period ends on October 31, 2026, for people who met the criteria on November 19, 2025. Applications are submitted through the Arrima platform.
These rules are temporary and may change. Have your situation reviewed before you file.
Who is it for? The two PEQ streams
Québec Graduates stream
- a diploma earned in Québec: bachelor's, master's, doctorate, technical college diploma (DEC) or a vocational diploma (DEP) of at least 1,800 hours;
- full-time studies completed within the previous 36 months, at least half of them in Québec;
- legal residence in Québec when you apply;
- French: oral level 7 and written level 5.
Temporary Foreign Workers stream
- at least 2 years of work experience in Québec in a skill level 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation (FÉER);
- at least 24 of the last 36 months full-time (30 paid hours a week);
- a valid work permit, with no self-employment and no control over the employer;
- French: oral level 7.
If your spouse comes with you, oral French level 4 is required. These criteria are summarized from the official Québec pages: they do not replace a review of your situation.
How we can help
Pro Immigration can help you:
- check your eligibility and which stream suits you;
- calculate your period of study or work experience in Québec;
- review your documents: diploma, employment, proof of French;
- prepare the permanent selection application and file it in Arrima;
- follow the file through to a decision.
We cannot guarantee eligibility or the outcome: selection is decided by the Government of Québec.
The steps
- 1. Review of your situation: study or work history, status, French;
- 2. Eligibility check: which stream applies and which criteria must be met;
- 3. Preparing your documents;
- 4. Preparing and filing the application in Arrima;
- 5. File follow-up;
- 6. Next step: once the CSQ is issued, the permanent residence application to IRCC (a separate step).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is the PEQ open?
Québec has temporarily reopened the program until July 2, 2028. The first intake period ends on October 31, 2026, for people who met the criteria on November 19, 2025.
What is the difference between the two streams?
The Graduates stream is for people who graduated from a Québec institution. The Temporary Foreign Workers stream is based on skilled work experience in Québec.
How long does processing take?
Québec has stated that the usual processing time is not guaranteed this year because of the expected volume of applications.
PEQ or PSTQ?
They are two separate programs with different criteria. We compare these pathways based on your profile. See our page on the PSTQ.
See also: PSTQ · Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) · permanent residence.
Official source: Government of Québec, PEQ selection conditions (in French).
Let's review your immigration plan
Book a 45-minute consultation with Mohamed Rachid Trissia to review your situation and understand your options.