The Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) is Quebec's fastest immigration pathway for temporary workers and international graduates already living in Quebec. It offers streamlined processing in three to six months for qualified candidates.

What Is the PEQ?

PEQ was designed to retain talented people already contributing to Quebec's economy and society — temporary workers who have demonstrated they can succeed in Quebec's Francophone environment, and international graduates who have studied in French and built connections in the province. It bypasses the competitive Arrima draw system used by PSTQ, offering a more direct route for those who meet its specific criteria.

PEQ for Workers

To qualify under the worker pathway, you must: be currently working in Quebec (or have left for a temporary reason), have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Quebec within the 24 months before your application, work in an eligible occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), demonstrate French oral proficiency at level B2 or higher on the TEF Canada or TCF Canada speaking component (NCLC 7), and intend to live in Quebec. Note that the French requirement applies specifically to oral production (speaking and listening) — written French requirements are less strict for the worker pathway.

PEQ for International Graduates

For international graduates of Quebec's recognized post-secondary institutions, the requirements are: completion of a program of at least 1,800 hours (roughly a two-year full-time program), from a recognized Quebec educational institution, completion within the 24 months before application, and demonstrated French oral proficiency at B2 level. Graduates of programs taught primarily in English at recognized Quebec institutions may qualify if they can demonstrate sufficient French proficiency, but this is assessed case by case.

The B2 French Requirement

The French language requirement is the most challenging aspect of PEQ for many applicants. B2 level (NCLC 7 on TEF Canada) in speaking means you can express yourself clearly and fluently on complex topics, participate in conversations without difficulty, and explain your viewpoint in French. This goes beyond basic conversational French — it requires genuine functional proficiency in a professional context. Candidates who studied or worked in French environments for several years often reach this level naturally; others need dedicated preparation.

Processing Time and Advantages

PEQ processing is significantly faster than PSTQ — typically three to six months for the CSQ stage, compared to 12-24 months for PSTQ. This speed is one of PEQ's greatest advantages. After receiving your CSQ, IRCC's federal PR processing adds approximately 12 months. Total pathway from PEQ application to landing: roughly 15-24 months.

Common Refusal Reasons

PEQ refusals most often occur because of: insufficient French level (failing to demonstrate B2 oral proficiency), work experience that does not meet the 12-month requirement in a qualifying occupation, applying too soon after leaving Quebec (the 24-month window is strict), or occupation classified in an ineligible NOC TEER category. Before applying, verify every eligibility criterion carefully and ensure your TEF or TCF results clearly meet the B2 threshold.