PEQ (Québec Experience Program)

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a fast-track immigration program in Quebec for people with work or study experience in the province. It is one of Quebec’s immigration programs.

In 2025, both PEQ streams are paused, Graduates (since Oct 31, 2024) and Temporary Foreign Workers (since June 5, 2025), until Nov 30, 2025. When intake resumes, you’ll apply in Arrima, pay CSQ fees (C$921 principal + C$197 per family member), complete the AVDQ values attestation, receive your CSQ, then apply to IRCC for PR.

PEQ at a Glance

• Status (2025): New PEQ applications not accepted until Nov 30, 2025; existing files continue.
• Streams: PEQ Graduates, PEQ Temporary Foreign Workers
• French: Oral B2 / level 7 with accepted proof
• Steps (when open): Arrima → Pay CSQ fees → AVDQ → CSQ → IRCC PR
• Typical CSQ timeline: ~6 months when intake is open
• Fees (Québec stage): C$921 principal + C$197 per family member (indexed Jan 1, 2025)
• While paused: Prepare French proof & docs; consider PSTQ

Step	What it is	How long	What you need
1. Create file	Fill PEQ in Arrima & upload	1–2 weeks	Passport, permits, diplomas/work letters
2. Pay fees	Pay MIFI CSQ fees	1–2 weeks	C$921 + C$197/dep. (2025)
3. Values step	Do AVDQ online/module	Days–weeks	Access link from MIFI
4. Decision	CSQ issued if approved	~6 months	Arrima inbox
5. Federal PR	Apply to IRCC	Varies	Biometrics, medicals, IRCC fees

What Happens When PEQ Reopens Who’s Eligible When PEQ Intake Resumes?

Two streams with general conditions (18+, plan to settle/work in Québec, valid status, financial self-sufficiency, French), plus stream-specific rules.

PEQ ,  Graduates (when open)

• Studies: Qualifying Québec diploma. Since Nov 23, 2024, graduates generally must have studied in French (e.g., ≥75% of credits in French) or have three full years of studies in French (in Québec or abroad). [VERIFY details on reopening]
• French: Oral French ≈ B2 / level 7, with accepted proof.
• Status & timing: Meet conditions at application; check if any added work-experience rules apply at reopening. 

PEQ ,  Temporary Foreign Workers (when open)

• Work experience: Recent skilled work in Québec (confirm months/TEER when intake resumes). 
• French: Oral French level 7 with accepted proof.
• Status: Be legally in Québec; some sector/employer limits may apply. 
• AVDQ: Required.

Share your status, diploma/job, and French proof, we’ll map PEQ vs. PSTQ for your situation.

How the PEQ Application Works (Arrima steps)

1. Prepare documents: Passport; permits/CAQ (if relevant); diplomas/transcripts (Graduates); Québec pay slips & employer letters (TFW); French proof; civil status; proof of funds.
2. Create/submit in Arrima: Upload, pay CSQ fees, and submit.
3. Acknowledgement: Watch your Arrima inbox/email
4. Values step: Complete the AVDQ online or approved session.
5. Decision → CSQ: If approved, you receive your CSQ.
6. Federal PR: Apply to IRCC for medical/security checks and final PR. (Federal timing varies, check the tool.) 

PEQ Required Documents

• Identity & civil status: Passport; birth/marriage certificates; translations if needed.
• Québec status/history: Work/study permits; CAQ (if relevant); entry records; pay slips + T4/RL-1 (TFW); proof of residence.
• Education (Graduates): Diplomas + final transcripts; proof program in French or 3 full years of study in French (as applicable).
• Work (TFW): Employer letters (duties, hours, dates), pay records, tax slips; job must meet eligibility.
• French: Accepted test results (TEF/TEFAQ, TCF Canada/TCF Québec) or recognized studies in French (per MIFI list).
• Other: AVDQ attestation; proof of financial self-sufficiency; signed forms.

Language Requirement (French B2)

PEQ needs spoken French at level 7 / B2. Common proofs:

• Standardized tests: TEF/TEFAQ, TCF Canada/TCF Québec meeting the oral scores;
• Study in French: transcripts showing three full years in French (Québec or abroad);
• In some cases, a Québec professional order document or recognized diploma in French. Always match proof to MIFI’s accepted list and validity windows.

Fees You Should Budget (Québec + Federal)

• MIFI (CSQ – PEQ category): C$921 principal + C$197 per accompanying family member (effective Jan 1, 2025; indexed annually).
• Other costs: French test fees; translations/notarizations; police certs; medical exam; biometrics; IRCC PR fees (federal).

After the CSQ: the Federal PR Stage

With your CSQ, submit a PR application to IRCC. The federal stage covers biometrics, medical, and security checks. Timelines change, confirm on IRCC’s tool before travel or job moves. 

Prefer a plan while PEQ is paused? Book a 15-minute consult or check PSTQ eligibility now so you’re not waiting at the last minute.

Final Thoughts

PEQ remains a solid path for people who study or work in Québec, but new applications are paused until November 30, 2025. Use this time well:

• boost your French to B2 (level 7)
• Organize key documents
• Keep your status in good shape

 If PEQ is your goal, be ready on day one of reopening; if not, the PSTQ can be a smart backup.

FAQs

Remember: This article isn’t legal advice; policies change. Verify on official sites.
Source: quebec.ca