Maple News reports that significant changes are coming to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for international graduates, with new French-language requirements set to take effect on November 23, 2024. The revised criteria are part of Quebec’s continued efforts to reinforce the use of French in the province’s immigration programs.
Under the new rules, only those who have completed at least 75% of their educational program in French will be eligible for the PEQ Graduate stream. The specifics vary depending on the level and type of study:
– Vocational and college students must complete 75% of their courses in French.
– Undergraduate university students must complete 75% of their credits in French.
– Master’s and PhD students must also meet the 75% French credit requirement. However, theses, dissertations, internships, and research labs can still be conducted in another language.
These changes reflect Quebec’s commitment to strengthening linguistic and cultural integration, aligning with broader provincial goals to preserve French as the common language in both academia and civic life.
However, the province has introduced a nuanced exception. Graduates whose programs don’t meet the new 75% French threshold may still qualify for the PEQ if they have completed at least three years of full-time study in French at the secondary or post-secondary level, either in Quebec or internationally.
Notably, this announcement follows an earlier decision to temporarily pause the acceptance of new PEQ Graduate stream applications until June 30, 2025. According to Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI), this suspension will lead to a sharp reduction in selection certificates issued—only 4,500 to 5,700 Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) projected in 2025, compared to 14,500 in 2024.
The temporary halt applies to candidates who have not submitted profiles before the pause. Those who applied before the cut-off will remain eligible for selection under the 2025 immigration targets.
Additionally, the Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)—soon to be rebranded as the Skilled Worker Selection Program—has also been paused for new invitations until June 2025. These overlapping changes reflect Quebec’s strategy to recalibrate its immigration programs amid shifting demographic, linguistic, and labor market priorities.
According to Maple News, these adjustments indicate that future international students and skilled workers eyeing permanent residency in Quebec must plan proactively to meet enhanced French-language standards and anticipate application processing timelines more strategically.