Pre-November 1 Quebec Experience Program criteria now in effect

CIC News
Published: November 15, 2019

Pour lire cet article en français, cliquez ici.

International graduates who apply to the Quebec Experience Program will once again be assessed based on the criteria that were in place prior to November 1, 2019.

This change became effective on November 14.

The Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l’expérience québécoise, or PEQ) is a popular fast-track immigration program that allows eligible international graduates of Quebec schools and temporary foreign workers living and working in the province to apply for permanent residence selection.

New criteria introduced November 1 were widely denounced as unfair to applicants already living in Quebec, forcing the province's Immigration Minister, Simon Jolin-Barrette, to backtrack and restore the previous requirements.

The focus of the furore over the new criteria were two new lists that limited eligibility to specific areas of training for international graduates and targeted occupations for temporary foreign workers.

These restrictions did not exist prior to November 1 and would have disqualified many previously eligible students and workers in Quebec.

Jolin-Barrette has promised to revise the lists in consultation with the province's academic and business communities.

The criteria introduced on November 1 opened the PEQ to graduates who have studied in Quebec for at least 900 hours (one year) and have at least six months of work experience in Quebec in their area of training that was obtained after graduating.

Quebec's Immigration Ministry says candidates who met this requirement and who applied between November 1 and November 13 will be assessed based on the selection criteria "that prevailed on November 1, 2019."

As of November 14, candidates with degrees of between 900 and 1,799 hours are no longer eligible for the PEQ due to the reversion to the pre-November 1 criteria.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

© 2019 CICNews All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Quebec changes eligibility requirements for the PEQ Graduates stream
A mass of students in front of a building on Quebec's McGill University campus
Quebec announces its Immigration Levels Plan for 2025
A street in Quebec with stone buildings on either side.
British Columbia, Manitoba, PEI, and Quebec issue invitations to apply
Four provinces have issued nominations to candidates seeking Canadian permanent residence
The five most important things to know about renting in Canada
A picture of the Toronto skyline
Top Stories
Canada vs. Australia: Which country is the best choice for international students seeking immigration?
CRA to hold webinar for international students
Manitoba announces new pilot pathway to permanent residency
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Provinces
Manitoba announces new pilot pathway to permanent residency
A walkway through a field
Your guide to Ontario’s paid days off in 2025: public holidays and long weekends
An Out-Of-Office post-it stuck on a laptop
British Columbia and Alberta invite PNP candidates
New survey reveals the happiest provinces in Canada
A person holds a cutout of a smiley face in front of their face.
Link copied to clipboard