Obtaining permanent residency in Quebec: How do I go about it?

The Québec Experience Program (PEQ)

The PEQ is a program designed to facilitate the transition of people who already have a link with Quebec, whether through work or studies. The program is aimed primarily at two types of candidates:

• Temporary foreign workers This section is for workers with at least 24 months' work experience in Quebec in the last 36 months, in a skilled occupation (FEER 0, 1, 2 or 3). Candidates must also demonstrate their proficiency in French, an essential condition for eligibility for the PEQ.

• Quebec graduates This section is for people who have obtained an eligible diploma from a Quebec educational institution on a full-time basis within the last 36 months. As with the worker component, a good command of French is required.

Unlike the PSTQ, the PEQ provides a more accurate estimate of the time required to obtain the CSQ, thanks to fixed criteria and the absence of quotas. The PSTQ, on the other hand, relies on a point-based selection system and the prioritization of certain professions, which introduces a complexity factor in determining whether a candidate will be able to obtain the CSQ via this program.

Qualified Worker Selection Program (QWSP)

The PSTQ is designed for skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Quebec on the basis of their professional experience and skills. The program now has four components:

Strand 1: High qualification and specialized skills

• Occupation at FEER level 0, 1 or 2 for more than one year in Quebec or outside Quebec within the last 5 years.
• Completion of a specialized diploma leading to at least 1 year of full-time employment.
• At least level 7 in spoken French and level 5 in written French for the principal applicant, and level 4 in spoken French for the spouse.

Section 2: Intermediate and manual skills

• Occupation at FEER level 3, 4 or 5 for at least 2 years, including at least 1 year in Quebec, within the last 5 years.
• Minimum high school diploma, DEP, ASP or AEC.
• At least level 5 oral French for the principal applicant and level 4 oral French for the spouse.

Section 3: Regulated professions

• Work in a regulated profession on the Ministry's list of professions.
• Obtain authorization to practice the profession in Quebec or proof of partial or complete recognition of diploma training equivalence, less than five years old.
• If the occupation is level 0, 1 or 2: have a knowledge of French of at least level 7 orally and level 5 in writing (principal applicant) and level 4 orally for the spouse.
• If the profession is level 3, 4 or 5: at least level 5 oral French for the principal applicant and level 4 oral French for the spouse.

Section 4: Exceptional talent

• Distinguish yourself through exceptional expertise in your profession, either through an accomplishment listed in the Ministry's list of achievements, or by obtaining an opinion from a Ministry partner in a strategic field (economic sectors, research, arts and culture, or sports).
• Recognized achievements related to expertise.
• Have practiced the profession for at least 3 years within the last 5 years.

Permanent residence

Once the CSQ has been obtained, candidates must submit an application for permanent residence to the Canadian government. This process includes a criminal background check, a medical examination and an assessment of the documents provided. While obtaining the CSQ is a crucial step, it is important to note that the application for permanent residence at the federal level must still be approved before the candidate can obtain permanent resident status.