The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) explained
The Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) is a faster route to a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) for people who already have a strong connection to Quebec — either as graduates or as workers.
A faster path for people already in Quebec
The PEQ is designed for candidates who have studied or worked in Quebec, so it can move more quickly than the broader PSTQ. Like the PSTQ, success leads to a CSQ, after which you apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
The PEQ is generally for people inside Canada with genuine Quebec experience — it is not a route for candidates applying from abroad with no Quebec ties.
The two streams: graduates and workers
The PEQ has two streams. The graduates stream is for people who completed an eligible diploma in Quebec within a set period. The temporary foreign workers stream is for people with qualifying skilled work experience gained in Quebec.
Each stream has its own conditions on the type and length of study or experience, and on demonstrating you intend to settle in Quebec.
French and the application window
French is central to the PEQ. Applicants generally must show a strong level of spoken French (and, for graduates, a defined written level), proven by an approved test or eligible Quebec studies. An accompanying spouse may also need to show basic French.
Quebec receives PEQ applications during set windows rather than year-round, and the dates change each year. Check the PEQ program pages for the current reception period and the exact requirements for your stream.