Overview
The Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) – Québec Graduates stream lets international students who earned an eligible Québec diploma and speak French apply directly for a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ), without waiting for an invitation. Québec abolished the PEQ in November 2025, then reactivated it until July 2028 for graduates who already held an eligible diploma on November 19, 2025, through limited intake periods. We confirm whether you qualify and, if not, which route fits you best.
Who it’s for
- International graduates of Québec universities, CEGEPs and vocational schools who completed their diploma by November 19, 2025
- Graduates still living legally in Québec who want to build their career there
- French-speaking graduates with advanced-intermediate oral French
Key requirements
- An eligible Québec diploma — a bachelor's, master's or doctorate, a technical DEC, or a DEP of at least 1,800 hours (alone or with an ASP)
- Diploma obtained by November 19, 2025, and within the 36 months before you apply
- Full-time studies at a Québec institution, having lived in Québec for at least half of your program
- Legally in Québec when you submit your application
- Oral French at level 7 (about B2) and written French at level 5 on the Québec scale; an accompanying spouse needs oral level 4
- Intention to settle in Québec to work, plus a signed commitment to support yourself and your family for at least three months
- Aged 18 or older and admissible to Canada (medical, security and criminality checks)
How it works
- 01
Confirm your eligibility
We check your diploma type and dates, your time in Québec, your status and your French results against the rules of the reactivated PEQ.
- 02
Complete French results & documents
We help you plan any missing French test and assemble transcripts, proof of status and family documents so your file is complete from day one.
- 03
Apply for your CSQ
During an open intake period, we submit your application to Québec's immigration ministry (MIFI) through the Arrima portal and respond to any follow-up requests.
- 04
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
With your Québec Selection Certificate in hand, we prepare and file your federal application, including medical exams, biometrics and police certificates.
- 05
Land as a permanent resident
After IRCC approves your application, you confirm your permanent residence and continue your life and career in Québec.
Advantages
- No ranking or invitation round — eligible graduates apply directly during an intake period
- No work experience is required for the graduate stream
- Your spouse or partner and dependent children can be included in the same application
- If you do not qualify, your Québec diploma and French skills still count in PSTQ rankings
Good to know
- The reactivation covers only graduates who held an eligible diploma on November 19, 2025 — later graduates should look at the PSTQ or federal options.
- Intake periods are limited and the PEQ is set to end in July 2028, so preparing your French results and documents early matters.
FAQ
I graduated after November 19, 2025. Can I still use the PEQ?
Not under the current reactivation, which only covers diplomas obtained by that date. The PSTQ, which rewards Québec studies and French, is usually the next route we assess.
Do I need work experience in Québec?
No. The graduate stream has no work experience requirement, but you must meet the diploma, residence, status and French conditions.
Can I apply from outside Québec?
No. You must be legally in Québec when you submit your application, so we plan your permit status around the intake period.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often — we confirm the latest requirements for your situation during your consultation.