Overview
The Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) – Temporary Foreign Workers stream lets skilled workers who have built their careers in Québec and speak French apply directly for a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ), without an Arrima invitation. Québec abolished the PEQ in November 2025, then reactivated it until July 2028 for workers who had already accumulated two years of eligible Québec experience by November 19, 2025. We confirm whether you qualify, or whether the PSTQ is the better fit.
Who it’s for
- Skilled temporary foreign workers with two or more years of full-time experience in Québec
- Working Holiday, Young Professionals and other youth-exchange participants working in Québec
- French-speaking professionals and technicians who plan to stay in Québec long-term
Key requirements
- Legally in Québec as a temporary foreign worker or youth-exchange participant (e.g., Working Holiday, Young Professionals or International Co-op)
- At least 24 months of full-time work in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 jobs in Québec within the 36 months before you apply
- Eligible experience accumulated by November 19, 2025, the date Québec abolished the PEQ
- Working full-time (at least 30 paid hours a week) in an eligible job when you apply
- Oral French at level 7 (about B2) on the Québec scale; an accompanying spouse needs oral level 4
- Self-employment, work for a business you control, part-time work and jobs in ineligible sectors do not count
- Intention to settle in Québec, a three-month self-sufficiency commitment, age 18 or older, and admissibility to Canada
How it works
- 01
Review your work history
We confirm each job's TEER category, weekly hours and dates against the 24-month rule and the November 19, 2025 cut-off.
- 02
Gather proof & French results
We assemble employer letters, pay records, permits and your French test results, and flag any gaps before you apply.
- 03
Apply for your CSQ
During an open intake period, we file your application through Québec's Arrima portal and handle any requests from the immigration ministry (MIFI).
- 04
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
Once Québec issues your CSQ, we submit your federal application with medical exams, biometrics and police certificates.
- 05
Land as a permanent resident
After approval, you confirm your permanent residence and continue your career in Québec.
Advantages
- No ranking or invitation round — eligible workers apply directly during an intake period
- Québec experience gained legally on a work permit, including youth-exchange permits, can qualify
- Your spouse or partner and dependent children can be included in the same application
- If you do not qualify, your Québec experience and French skills still count in PSTQ rankings
Good to know
- Workers who reached 24 months of experience after November 19, 2025 are not covered by the reactivation — the PSTQ is the main alternative.
- Intake periods are limited and the PEQ is set to end in July 2028, so timing and complete documents matter.
FAQ
I reached 24 months of experience after November 19, 2025. Do I qualify?
Not under the current reactivation, which only covers experience accumulated by that date. We will assess you for the PSTQ, where Québec work experience and French carry significant weight.
Does part-time work count?
No. Only paid, full-time work of at least 30 hours a week counts, and self-employment or work for a business you control is excluded.
Which French test should I take?
You need proof of oral French at level 7 or higher on the Québec scale, usually through an approved test such as the TEF or TCF. We help you choose the right version and plan your preparation.
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.