PEQ Quebec: The Complete English Guide for Graduates and Workers (2026)

The Quebec Experience Program — Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) — is Quebec's fastest pathway to a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), the document you need to apply for permanent residence in Quebec. It is designed for two groups: international graduates of Quebec institutions, and temporary foreign workers with skilled work experience in Quebec. This guide explains the 2026 rules, the French requirement that decides most cases, and how to navigate the Arrima declaration process.

How Quebec immigration works (in one paragraph)

Quebec is the only Canadian province that fully selects its own economic immigrants. Federal Express Entry and other federal programs do not apply to Quebec. To immigrate to Quebec as an economic immigrant, you submit an expression of interest in Arrima (Quebec's selection portal), receive an invitation, and apply for a CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec). Once you have a CSQ, you apply to the federal government (IRCC) for permanent residence — that step is mainly medical, security, and admissibility checks. The PEQ is one of three main Quebec selection programs (with the PRTQ and the investor / business streams).

The two PEQ streams

Graduate stream — PEQ diplômés

For international students who completed an eligible diploma at a Quebec educational institution.

Worker stream — PEQ travailleurs étrangers temporaires

For temporary foreign workers who have accumulated skilled work experience in Quebec.

The two streams have different criteria, but share the same end product: a CSQ that opens the door to permanent residence.

French is the gatekeeper in 2026

Both PEQ streams require an advanced level of French in the four spoken-French and writing skills. The minimum is generally:

• NCLC 7 (Niveau de compétence en français) in oral comprehension and oral production.

Written French is not required for the principal applicant under most current rules, but the spouse may need to demonstrate French as well to maximize benefits.

Accepted tests:

• TEF Canada
• TCF Canada
• TEFAQ (Test d'évaluation de français adapté au Québec)
• TCFQ (Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec)
• DELF / DALF at the appropriate level

If your French is below NCLC 7, the PEQ is not realistically open to you — even if your other credentials are strong. This is the single most common reason PEQ applications fail. If you need French training, Quebec's free Francisation program is one of the best options and is available to many temporary residents.

PEQ graduate stream: eligibility in 2026

You qualify if all of the following are true:

• You hold (or are about to obtain) one of the eligible Quebec diplomas:
• University bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a Quebec institution.
• Vocational diploma (DEP) of at least 1,800 hours, leading to a recognized trade.
• Attestation of college studies (AEC) of at least 1,800 hours, in an eligible field linked to a labour shortage.
• Some short technical programs, depending on field.
• You completed at least half of the eligible program in Quebec.
• You meet the French requirement (NCLC 7 oral).
• You have completed at least 12 months of full-time skilled work in Quebec after graduation, in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. (This is a 2023–2024 reform — graduate stream is no longer available immediately upon graduation.)
• You are present in Quebec when you submit your declaration of interest.

The post-graduation work experience requirement was the biggest change in the 2023–2024 reforms — it ended the era of "graduate today, CSQ tomorrow." Most graduates now use the PTPD (post-graduation work permit) to accumulate the 12 months of skilled work before applying.

PEQ worker stream: eligibility in 2026

You qualify if all of the following are true:

• You have completed at least 24 months of full-time skilled work in Quebec, in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, within the last 36 months.
• The work was performed under valid Quebec immigration status (work permit or other authorization).
• You meet the French requirement (NCLC 7 oral).
• You are present in Quebec when you submit your declaration of interest.
• You hold valid temporary status when you submit.

Note: international students who worked part-time during their studies cannot count those hours toward the 24 months — only full-time skilled work after graduation counts (and that route is the graduate stream, not the worker stream).

How to apply: the Arrima process

PEQ applications go through Quebec's expression-of-interest system, Arrima.

1. Create an Arrima profile

Open an account at the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) portal and complete a profile with your education, work experience, language, family, and Quebec connections.

2. Receive an invitation

MIFI issues invitations to apply (invitation à soumettre une demande de sélection permanente) periodically based on Arrima points. PEQ candidates are usually prioritized but not guaranteed.

3. Submit the CSQ application

Once invited, you have 60 days to file a complete CSQ application with supporting documents:

• Identity, civil status, and address documents.
• Education credentials (relevé de notes, diploma).
• Work experience proof (employer letters, pay stubs, T4s, ROEs).
• French test results.
• Spouse's documents if applicable.

4. Pay the fees

MIFI fees in 2026 are roughly:

• Principal applicant: about $880 CAD.
• Spouse: about $190 CAD.
• Each child: about $190 CAD.

5. Wait for the CSQ decision

Processing time: 6 to 12 months depending on file complexity and MIFI workload. PEQ files are generally processed faster than PRTQ files.

6. Apply for federal permanent residence

With CSQ in hand, file the federal PR application with IRCC. Federal processing time: 6 to 12 months more for medical, security, and admissibility checks.

7. Receive permanent residence

Total realistic timeline from PEQ application to PR card: 18 to 30 months.

Recent reforms (2023–2024) you should know

• The graduate stream now requires 12 months of post-graduation skilled work before applying.
• The list of eligible AEC and DEP programs for graduates was tightened.
• French requirements were raised across the board; written French became prominent in some streams.
• Spouse French can earn additional Arrima points and is often decisive in invitation rankings.
• The Quebec values test was replaced by Objectif Intégration (a paid civic-integration course).
• Investor and entrepreneur programs in Quebec were paused or restructured.

The general trend: higher French standards, less automatic selection, more competition for invitations. Plan accordingly — and start French training as early in your Quebec stay as possible.

PEQ vs PRTQ: which to choose?

The PRTQ (Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés) is the other main Quebec economic stream. It uses the same Arrima portal and the same CSQ output, but with different criteria.

• Choose PEQ if you have Quebec graduation or solid Quebec work experience and meet the French requirement.
• Choose PRTQ if you do not yet have enough Quebec experience but have a strong overall profile (education, skilled work outside Quebec, French, family ties).

Many candidates qualify for both and select the path with the best timeline. PEQ is generally faster.

Common reasons PEQ applications fail or stall

• French level too low (NCLC 6 instead of 7). This is the leading cause.
• Work experience not classified at NOC TEER 0–3 — non-skilled occupations do not count.
• Missing post-graduation experience (graduate stream).
• Documentation gaps, especially for work experience: ambiguous job titles, missing pay stubs, hours not clearly documented.
• Status interruption during the work period (working without authorization, status gaps).
• Filing while outside Quebec — you must be physically in Quebec.

How Nexus Avocats can help

At Nexus Avocats, our immigration team in Montreal evaluates whether the PEQ or PRTQ is the right fit for your profile, prepares Arrima profiles to maximize invitation rankings, drafts CSQ applications that pass the first review, and advises on the post-CSQ federal step. We work in English, French, and Spanish, with international graduates and temporary workers across Quebec.

If you are not sure whether your work experience qualifies, whether your French level is enough, or whether to file PEQ or PRTQ, talk to us before clicking through Arrima.

Frequently asked questions

What is the PEQ Quebec?

The Programme de l'expérience québécoise (Quebec Experience Program) is a Quebec economic immigration stream for international graduates of Quebec institutions and temporary foreign workers in Quebec. It produces a CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate), which is the prerequisite for federal permanent residence in Quebec.

What is the French requirement for PEQ?

You generally need NCLC 7 (oral comprehension and oral production) in French — equivalent to upper-intermediate. Accepted tests include TEF Canada, TCF Canada, TEFAQ, TCFQ, and DELF/DALF. Spousal French earns additional ranking points.

Can I apply for PEQ right after I graduate in Quebec?

Not anymore. Since the 2023–2024 reform, the graduate stream now requires 12 months of full-time skilled work in Quebec after graduation before you can apply. Most graduates use the PTPD (post-graduation work permit) to accumulate that experience.

How long does it take to get a CSQ through PEQ?

About 6 to 12 months at MIFI from a complete application. After the CSQ, the federal PR step takes another 6 to 12 months. Total realistic timeline: 18 to 30 months from Arrima invitation to PR card.

How much does the PEQ cost in 2026?

MIFI fees: about $880 CAD for the principal applicant, $190 CAD per dependent. Federal PR fees: about $1,365 CAD for the principal applicant plus $570 CAD for the right of permanent residence and $235 CAD for biometrics. Plus French test, document translations, and (optional) legal fees.

What is the difference between PEQ and PRTQ?

PEQ is for candidates with Quebec study or work experience and strong French — fast and targeted. PRTQ is the regular skilled-worker program — open to candidates without Quebec experience but selected through a competitive points-based draw on Arrima. Both result in the same CSQ.

Do I need to be in Quebec to apply for PEQ?

Yes. You must be physically present in Quebec when you submit your Arrima declaration of interest and your CSQ application.

What jobs count as "skilled work" for PEQ?

Occupations classified as NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 under the National Occupation Classification — generally management, professional, technical, and skilled-trade occupations. Hospitality, retail, and unskilled labour usually do not qualify, with limited pilot exceptions.