PEQ
PEQ targets Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers who meet their stream conditions and the current intake rules.
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Immigration to Quebec
Quebec Selection Programs - CSQ and Permanent Residence
Quebec has its own immigration programs under the Canada-Quebec Accord. Candidates must first obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before applying for permanent residence at the federal level.
PEQ
Quebec-experience pathway
PSTQ
Invitation-based selection
Arrima
Quebec online portal
IRCC
Federal stage after CSQ
Two-step process
Step 1: Obtain the CSQ from the Quebec government (MIFI). Step 2: Apply for permanent residence to IRCC (federal) with the CSQ. The CSQ does not allow you to live in Canada; it is only a provincial selection certificate.
PEQ or PSTQ after studying in Montreal: what is the difference?
The right starting point depends on your diploma, Quebec experience, status and the intake rules in force. A pathway described as open still requires a complete review of every condition before filing.
PSTQ
PSTQ begins with an expression of interest in Arrima. Quebec publishes invitations by stream and may apply different criteria in each exercise.
View official 2026 invitationsQuebec Experience Program (PEQ)
A Quebec selection pathway for certain Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers who meet the applicable stream requirements.
Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers
Temporary 2026 intakeTemporary reopening announced from July 2, 2026 to July 2, 2028
First published intake period: July 2 to October 31, 2026
Eligible diploma or work experience obtained by the applicable date
French and other requirements verified for the selected stream
Processing: Variable — check Quebec.ca before filing
Qualified Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
An invitation-based program managed through Arrima under four published streams.
Expression of interest in Arrima
Invitations published in 2026Stream 1: high qualification and specialized skills
Stream 2: intermediate and manual skills
Stream 3: regulated professions
Stream 4: exceptional talent
Processing: Invitation and processing times vary
Business immigration programs
Separate pathways for certain entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed people, subject to current intake periods and official requirements.
Identify the currently available pathway
Verify before taking actionConfirm program status on Quebec.ca
Review management experience and the business project
Prepare the required financial evidence
Meet the conditions of the selected stream
Processing: Varies by pathway
Language Requirements in Quebec
Recognized French Tests
- TEF Canada / TEFAQ
- TCF Canada / TCF Quebec
- DELF / DALF
Required Levels (Quebec scale)
- PSTQ: requirements vary by stream and occupation
- PEQ: requirements vary by stream and profile
- Spouse: some requirements may also apply
Note: Quebec strongly values francization. A higher level of French can significantly improve your chances of selection, especially in the Arrima system.
Questions about PEQ, PSTQ and Arrima
Is the PEQ open in 2026?
Quebec announced a temporary two-year reopening. The published 2026 intake period runs from July 2 to October 31; applicants must still verify the intake rules and all stream conditions before filing.
What is the difference between PEQ and PSTQ?
PEQ targets certain people with eligible Quebec education or work experience. PSTQ uses an expression of interest in Arrima and invitations under one of four streams.
Does an Arrima profile guarantee a PSTQ invitation?
No. An expression of interest enters the pool, but an invitation depends on the criteria used by Quebec for a specific invitation exercise.
Official sources
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