Canada Quebec immigration: PEQ and PRTQ in 2026.

Quebec operates its own immigration system separate from the rest of Canada. While the federal government makes the final permanent residence decision, Quebec selects its own immigrants through the MIFI (Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration). There are two main pathways for skilled worker immigration: the PEQ (Quebec Experience Program) for candidates already in Quebec, and the PRTQ (Regular Skilled Worker Program) for candidates applying from outside Quebec.

The Quebec selection process: First, the candidate applies to MIFI for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). MIFI assesses the candidate based on Quebec’s criteria, including French language ability, education, work experience, age, and ties to Quebec. If MIFI issues a CSQ, the candidate then applies to IRCC for Canadian permanent residence. IRCC assesses only federal admissibility — it cannot refuse based on Quebec’s selection criteria.

Why consider Quebec: Quebec offers a distinct immigration pathway that can be faster for French-speaking candidates, particularly through the PEQ. The province has strong demand for skilled workers in healthcare, technology, education, and engineering. Quebec also offers lower tuition for international students at Quebec institutions and a unique cultural environment. International students who graduate from a Quebec institution and achieve NCLC 7 in French can apply through the PEQ Graduate stream, which has no points grid, no job offer requirement, and processing times of approximately 20 to 30 business days for the CSQ. This makes the PEQ Graduate stream one of the fastest routes to Canadian permanent residence for French-speaking international graduates who have studied in Quebec and wish to remain in the province after completing their program. The key advantage of PEQ over the PRTQ is speed — while PEQ can process the CSQ in as little as one month, the PRTQ points-based process typically takes 6 to 12 months for the Quebec selection stage alone. Candidates who meet the PEQ criteria should choose that route over PRTQ whenever possible to reduce overall processing time from application to permanent residence landing.

Quebec graduates, Quebec workers, and French-speaking candidates with a genuine plan to live and work in Quebec. This includes international students who have completed a program at a Quebec educational institution, temporary foreign workers in Quebec, and candidates applying from outside Quebec who meet the PRTQ points threshold.

• Candidates who do not plan to live in Quebec — Quebec immigration requires intent to reside in the province.
• Candidates who do not speak French at a functional level — Quebec strongly prioritizes French-speaking candidates.
• Candidates who qualify for a faster federal Express Entry route — compare total processing times before choosing Quebec.
• Candidates whose education or work experience is not recognized by MIFI — Quebec has specific equivalency rules.

The PEQ is designed for candidates who have already studied or worked in Quebec. There are two streams: the PEQ Graduate stream (for students who have completed a Quebec diploma) and the PEQ Foreign Worker stream (for workers with at least 24 months of skilled work experience in Quebec). PEQ offers faster processing and no points grid — candidates either meet the criteria or they do not. PEQ is a binary assessment, not a competitive ranking.

PEQ Graduate stream requirements: A Quebec diploma (university degree, college diploma, or vocational diploma) completed in the past 36 months, NCLC 7 in spoken French, and intention to settle in Quebec. The program must have been completed in Quebec while holding valid immigration status. PEQ graduates do not need a job offer.

PEQ Foreign Worker stream requirements: At least 24 months of full-time skilled work experience in Quebec in the past 36 months, NCLC 7 in spoken French, and a valid job offer at the time of application (or currently employed in Quebec). The work must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.

Quebec study or work records, French test results (TEF Canada or TCF Canada, minimum NCLC 7 for PEQ), employment letters covering the qualifying period, tax records showing Quebec residence, CSQ documents from MIFI, identity documents, civil status records (marriage certificate, birth certificates), police certificates, medical exam results, and proof of Quebec residence or intent to reside. For the PRTQ, also prepare an ECA for foreign degrees and a detailed CV in French.

• Weak French evidence. French ability is the single most important factor in Quebec immigration. Insufficient test scores are the top refusal reason.
• Unclear Quebec residence intent. MIFI expects a genuine plan to live and work in Quebec. Moving to another province shortly after PR could affect citizenship.
• Employment letters that do not match declared duties. Quebec verifies work experience carefully. Vague or generic letters are flagged.
• Confusing CSQ with final PR. The CSQ is Quebec selection only. IRCC still assesses federal admissibility separately.
• Incomplete or inaccurate application forms. MIFI is strict about form completeness. Missing information can result in return of the application.
• Using the wrong French test. Only TEF Canada, TCF Canada, TEFAQ, and TCF Quebec are accepted. DELF/DALF are not accepted for immigration.

The PRTQ (Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program) uses a points-based selection grid. Candidates must score a passing mark on the grid to receive a CSQ. The grid awards points for training (education level and field of study), work experience, age, language proficiency in French and English, Quebec ties (stays in Quebec, family in Quebec), spouse or partner characteristics (education, language, work experience), job offer (validated by MIFI), children, and financial self-sufficiency.

Passing the PRTQ grid: The passing score for single applicants is typically 50 out of 103 points for single applicants and 59 out of 120 for couples. Points for French language ability are critical — up to 16 points for the principal applicant and up to 6 points for the spouse. Education and training area points are also significant — certain fields of study in demand in Quebec receive additional points. Consult with an immigration professional to calculate your estimated score before applying.

The Quebec immigration process from start to finish takes 18 to 30 months. Step one (1-2 months): assess eligibility and prepare documents. Step two (2-4 months): take French language test and obtain ECA for foreign degrees. Step three (6-12 months for PRTQ, 1-2 months for PEQ): submit Mon Projet Quebec application and receive CSQ. Step four (12-18 months): submit federal PR application to IRCC. Step five: receive PR confirmation and land in Quebec.

Practical tips for Quebec applicants: Start French lessons immediately — achieving NCLC 7 is not quick and requires consistent study. Research Quebec’s targeted occupations — certain fields (healthcare, education, IT, engineering) are prioritized. If you have a Quebec job offer, have it validated by MIFI for additional points. Keep all documentation organized — Quebec is meticulous about application completeness. Consider consulting a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or Quebec immigration lawyer who specializes in Quebec programs.

Quebec requires all economic immigration applicants to demonstrate knowledge of Quebec’s democratic values and the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. As of recent requirements, principal applicants and their spouses must complete a 25-hour course or pass a knowledge assessment on Quebec values. The assessment covers Quebec’s history, culture, political system, and fundamental rights. The course is available online through MIFI’s platform and is offered in French and English.

Completing the Quebec values course or assessment is mandatory before receiving a CSQ. Plan for this requirement in your timeline — the course takes approximately 25 hours to complete, and the assessment has a processing time of several weeks. Proof of completion is submitted with your CSQ application.

In addition to PEQ and PRTQ, Quebec offers immigration programs for business candidates. The Quebec Entrepreneur Program requires a business project in Quebec with a minimum investment of CAD 200,000 (starting a business) or CAD 300,000 (taking over an existing business). The Quebec Investor Program requires a net worth of CAD 2 million and an investment of CAD 1.2 million with a financial intermediary. These programs have specific net worth and experience requirements and are processed through separate streams. Most international student graduates will apply through PEQ, but entrepreneurs should consider these alternative pathways if they qualify.

International students who graduate from a Quebec educational institution may qualify for the PEQ Graduate stream. Eligible programs include bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, DEC (Diplôme d’études collégiales) for technical training, and DEP (Diplôme d’études professionnelles) of at least 1,800 hours. The program must have been completed at a recognized Quebec institution, and the student must have held valid immigration status throughout their studies.

Key requirements for PEQ graduates: NCLC 7 in spoken French, completed Quebec diploma within the past 36 months, intention to settle in Quebec, and valid status in Canada. PEQ is faster than PRTQ — processing takes approximately 20 to 30 business days. PEQ graduates do not need a job offer. This makes PEQ one of the fastest routes to Canadian permanent residence for French-speaking international graduates.

For other Canadian immigration pathways, see the PNP comparison guide for Ontario, BC, and Alberta, the Express Entry healthcare category guide, the Express Entry STEM category guide, and the Atlantic Immigration Program guide. Each program offers different pathways depending on your occupation, location, and qualifications.

If you are considering Quebec immigration through PEQ or PRTQ, start by assessing your French language ability. Register for a TEF Canada or TCF Canada exam and begin French classes if needed. Gather your education credentials and work experience documents. Create a Mon Projet Québec account and review the current intake rules for your chosen stream. Consider whether PEQ (faster, for candidates already in Quebec) or PRTQ (points-based, for candidates from anywhere) is the better fit for your situation. Finally, consult with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) who specializes in Quebec programs to review your eligibility and evidence before submitting your application.