Quebec is a province in Canada with characteristics that distinguish it for having French as its official language, this largely conditions the immigration plans introduced by the local government around the preservation of its language and the promotion of economic growth in the region; in this sense, significant changes are expected in its immigration policies for 2024 and 2025. This is news that all foreigners wishing to study, work and/or live in the thriving province of Quebec should be aware of, so we invite you to analyze the key modifications to these policies and how they fit into the broader Canadian immigration objectives. In addition, at the end of this article you will find a step-by-step guide designed by our team of consultants to help you learn how to apply to the PEQ.

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What does the Quebec Immigration Plan seek to achieve?

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Preservation of the French language

In order to maintain the French language in the province, a number of priorities have been incorporated that have to do with preference, requirements, inclination towards French customs and workers' oral understanding of the French language. Each is detailed below:

• Preference for francophones: Quebec has intensified its historical approach, reinforcing the preference for francophones and people linked to their culture with the main objective of safeguarding the French language and traditional French dynamics within the province. 

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• French language proficiency requirements: To safeguard French culture in the region, Quebec has implemented stricter requirements for French language proficiency. Now, all immigrants opting for economic plans must pass a French language test that guarantees a reasonable knowledge of the language.

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• Franciscation within the province of Quebec: the local government is actively working to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants and improve the general knowledge of the French language among newcomers. The Québec Franciscation Program plays a vital role in this initiative, as it fosters language skills and integration among immigrants.

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• Oral knowledge of French for workers: While Québec emphasizes French language proficiency for foreign workers, there are some specific groups that are exempted. As such, Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) workers must have a level 4 oral proficiency in French, with the exception of agricultural workers renewing their Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) after three years in the province. Read more here.

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Economic growth of the province through immigration

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In order to achieve real economic growth in the province through skilled foreign labor, the Quebec government is willing to accept new foreign residents, but with a majority bias towards economic immigration, and will take into account the following:

• Maintain the number of immigrants: Quebec aims to preserve the number of admissions at 50,000 per year, in addition to ongoing continuing admissions of individuals selected under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).

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• Emphasize French language proficiency and social integration: Quebec's 2024 immigration plan seeks a balance between selecting immigrants proficient in the French language, encouraging the arrival of younger applicants to counteract the aging population, boosting integration and stimulating economic development within the province.

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• Receiving new admissions: the 2024 immigration plan aims to welcome up to 52,500 new permanent residents through various immigration programs, with a significant portion coming from economic immigration programs, such as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

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• Commitments of the guarantors: the guarantors must submit a reception and integration plan to the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, in which they commit to support the sponsored persons in their efforts to learn French.

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What is Quebec doing to align itself with the Canadian immigration framework?

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The Canadian government's goal is to welcome 485,000 new immigrants in 2024 and anticipates even higher numbers in 2025 and 2026. More than half of these planned admissions will come from economic immigration programs, aligning with Quebec's efforts to balance language requirements with economic growth.

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Ultimately, Quebec's 2024 and 2025 immigration policies reflect the province's commitment to preserving the French language and culture while leveraging the economic benefits of immigration. By implementing stricter French language requirements and focusing on economic growth, Quebec seeks to strike a balance that supports its unique identity within the diverse Canadian landscape. These changes not only influence Quebec's future, but also contribute to Canada's broader immigration objectives.

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What is the Quebec Experience Program - PEQ?

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The Quebec Experience Program(Programme de l'expérience québécoise - PEQ) is a popular immigration pathway for people who have studied or worked in Quebec and wish to settle permanently in the province. The PEQ offers a faster and simplified immigration process compared to other programs, but you must meet all the selection conditions for the program or your application will be rejected.

The Québec experience program is twofold:

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1. Temporary foreign workers
2. Québec graduates

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You must comply with the general and specific conditions of the flow when you apply for this program.

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What academic programs are eligible for PEQ?

It is important to note that not all academic programs in Quebec apply to this immigration plan, so we invite you to research very well the type of program you should choose. If you have doubts on this point, we recommend you to hire an educational advisor. At Immiland, we have an education department and certified advisors who will be able to help you. 

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Below, we present the academic offerings of several institutions in Quebec with which we have created partnerships and which are applicable to the PEQ. 

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Lasalle College - Montreal, Quebec

The application fee is $50 CAD

B2 French certificate required

*DEC: Diplome d'études collégiales - Diploma of Collegiate Studies 

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Teccart Institut - Montreal, Quebec

The application fee is $0 CAD if you apply with Immiland.

No French exam is required (although ideally at least B1 level).

*DEC: Diplome d'études collégiales - Diploma of Collegiate Studies 

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Cégep Limoilou - Quebec City, Quebec 

The application fee is $250 CAD

B2 French certificate required

‍*DEC: Diplome d'études collégiales - Diploma of Collegiate Studies

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Trois Rivieres - Trois Rivieres, Quebec 

The application fee is $85 CAD

B2 French certificate required

*DEC: Diplome d'études collégiales - Diploma of Collegiate Studies 

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Centre de services scolaire des Chic-Chocs - Gaspé/La Haute-Gaspésie, Québec  

The application fee is $200 CAD

B2 French certificate required

DEP: Diplome d'études professionnelles - Diploma of Professional Studies

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Collège Ellis (Trois-Rivières, Drummondville and Longueuil campuses). Montreal, Quebec

The application fee is $50 CAD

No French exam is required (although ideally at least B1 level).

*DEC: Diplome d'études collégiales - Diploma of Collegiate Studies 

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Step-by-step guide to applying to the Quebec Experience Program

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Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the application process and requirements for PEQ.

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Step 1: Determine your eligibility

Before you begin the application process, make sure you meet the PEQ eligibility requirements, these are:

• Education: must have completed eligible studies in Quebec, either full-time or part-time, leading to a degree or a Diplome d'études professionnelles - Diploma of Professional Studies (DEP) or a Diplome d'études collégiales - Diploma of Collegiate Studies (DEC). 
• Work experience: you must have acquired work experience in Quebec, including experience as a temporary foreign worker or as a participant in the Working Holiday program.
• French language proficiency: depending on the stream you are applying for (graduate or temporary worker), you may be required to demonstrate your level of French. This can be done through recognized language tests such as the TEF, TCF or IELTS.
• Status in Quebec: you must have legal status in Quebec at the time of application.

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Conditions for temporary foreign workers in the Quebec Experience Program

They must comply with the general and specific conditions of the program for the flow of temporary foreign workers.

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Terms and Conditions

The worker must demonstrate that:

• You have respected the conditions of your stay.
• He intends to settle in Quebec to take up employment.
• You are over 18 years of age.
• Has a knowledge of oral French equivalent to level 7 of level 7 of the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes (in French). (in French).
• You are lawfully present in Quebec at the time of application.
• It is economically self-sufficient.
• Your common-law spouse or accompanying spouse must have a knowledge of oral French equivalent to level 4 of the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes (see PDF 1.88 Mb) (in French).

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Specific conditions for PEQ

You must be legally in Quebec as a temporary foreign worker or as part of a youth exchange program, for example:

• Working Holiday.
• Young professionals.
• International cooperative internship. 

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Work experience (National Professional Classification)

To be eligible for the Quebec Experience Program, the jobs you have held must:

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• Correspond to an occupation of TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Labor Classification .
• To have been carried out legally.
• Have been full-time (a minimum of 30 hours of paid work per week).
• To have been remunerated.
• To be eligible, you must also have a job that meets these criteria at the time of application and for at least 24 of the 36 months prior to application.
• No period of part-time work can be taken into account for PEQ eligibility.
• Non-continuous work experience may be counted on your application if it was full-time.

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Accompanying spouse

Your common-law spouse or accompanying spouse must have knowledge of oral French equivalent to level 4 of the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes (in French).

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Under certain conditions, your accompanying spouse can obtain an open work permit, this hyperlink will open in a new window to work.

If you have a work permit for an accompanying spouse, you may also file an application as part of the PEQ as the principal applicant.

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Step 2: Gather the required documents

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After determining with certainty that you are eligible for PEQ, you will then need to collect the following documents to apply:

• Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, etc.).
• Educational documents and transcripts from your institution in Quebec.
• Proof of work experience in Quebec (employment letters, pay stubs, etc.).
• Language proficiency test (if required).
• A valid Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) if you are in Quebec at the time of application.
• If you are outside Quebec, you may be required to submit a copy of your Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) and proof of your intention to reside in Quebec.

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Step 3: Complete the application

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The PEQ application process can be done online or on paper. You will need to create an account on the Quebec Immigration website or download the application form if you choose the paper format.

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• Complete the application form and provide all required information.
• Pay the processing fees for your application.

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Step 4: Submit your application

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Once you have completed your application, send it along with all required documents to the designated address. If you are applying online, follow the instructions on the Quebec Immigration website for submitting documents.

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Step 5: wait for a decision

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After submitting your application, you must wait for the authorities to review it. Processing times may vary, but you can check the status of your application online.

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Step 6: attend an interview (if necessary)

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In some cases, Quebec may request an interview to assess your language skills or other aspects of your application. Be prepared for this stage, if necessary.

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Step 7: Receive your Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ)

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If your application is approved, you will receive a CSQ. This certificate is essential to your application for permanent residency with the federal government.

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Step 8: Apply for permanent residence with the IRCC

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Once you have your CSQ, you can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you must meet federal immigration requirements and undergo medical and security checks.

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Step 9: wait for a decision on your permanent residency

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After submitting your application for permanent residence to the IRCC, you must wait for a decision. Processing times may vary.

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Step 10: Prepare for your arrival in Quebec (if out of province or Canada)

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Once your permanent residency is approved, you can plan your move to Quebec. Make the necessary arrangements for housing, employment and other aspects of your settlement. 

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) offers a simplified pathway to permanent residency in Quebec for people who have studied or worked in the province. By following this step-by-step guide and making sure you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be able to successfully navigate the application process and take the first steps towards your new life in this wonderful province.

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At Immiland Canada, we are very happy to guide you through each immigration process so that you can start your travel plan successfully from the beginning to the end. 

Remember that to come to Canada for study or work, learning the language is fundamental. In our English and French academy, Planeta Immiland, we have trained many students who managed to prepare themselves for the required level of French, since this course is structured in Canadian French and focused on multiculturalism, but we always insist that learning this and any language requires a lot of practice and effort on your part to start speaking it.

If you are a lover of the distinguished French style and want to delve into this wonderful culture, then this is the program for you! 

To apply to one of our partner institutions' study programs, click on Immiland Education and schedule your appointment.

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With love,

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Immiland