Are you interested in studying abroad in Quebec, Canada? There’s never been a better time for students pursuing studies in:
- Education
- Educational childcare services
- Engineering
- Health and social services
- Information technology
Starting with the Fall 2023 intake, the provincial government is offering an exemption from additional tuition fees for international students in these programs. This exemption is valid at academic institutions outside the Montreal metropolitan area. This means that international and domestic students at these institutions pay the same tuition fees!
Once students graduate, the Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l’expérience québécoise, or PEQ/QEP) is a great way for international students to start a new chapter. This program allows international graduates to apply for a Quebec selection certificate (QSC). Once received, QSC holders may settle permanently in the province.
Compared to other Canadian provinces and territories, Quebec’s settlement guidelines are unique. Read on to learn more!
Wondering about other pathways to permanent residency? Check out the top five Canadian immigration programs on our blog.
QEP Intro and Requirements
Curious about the application process for the Quebec Experience Program? Our video below offers a quick summary of the program and its requirements.
Your first step is to get a selection certificate (QSC). This certificate is issued by Quebec’s provincial government.
All applicants must prove that they:
- Have respected the conditions of their stay in Quebec.
- Intend to settle in Quebec to hold a job.
- Are 18 years old or older.
- Have a knowledge of oral French which is equivalent to or higher than Level 7 on the French language test, Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes.
- Note: your partner or spouse accompanying you must have an oral score equivalent or higher than Level 4.
- Are legally in Quebec at the time of application.
- Are financially self-sufficient.
Applicants in the graduate stream must also prove they:
- Have obtained an eligible diploma in the 36 months before submitting their application.
- Completed a course of full-time study in an educational institution in Quebec.
- Completed eligible work experience in Quebec after their study program.
- Stayed in Quebec for at least 50% of the duration of their study program.
- Applicants with a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) must also attest to 1,800 hours or more of study and/or training. Some DVS graduates must also show completion of set hours of work experience; see the Quebec Government’s website for details.
Help your study abroad budget go further—look into these scholarships for international students in Quebec.
Applying for the QSC
All applicants must apply for their Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC) on the Arrima platform. On the platform, you can submit your application form, pay the application review fees, track your file’s progress, or update your application. Note that many of the official application forms are primarily available in French.
Remember:
- You’ll need access to a printer when applying, so you can sign the forms in pen. Electronic signatures are invalid. Tip: Local libraries often have printers.
- Scan your application form and supplementary documents in colour, not black-and-white.
- Complete your documents in French or English.
- Part 2 of the permanent selection application form has the list of the supplementary documents you’ll need to submit.
- Keep all original copies of the forms you submit and any requested supplementary documents! For a detailed description of what you’ll need, refer to the provincial government’s Quebec Experience Program application page.
Processing times for these materials is up to six months. That time frame starts once the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration receives your application, processing fee payment, and supporting documents. So, ensure you start your application early enough!
After your QSC application is processed, you’ll receive a request from the Ministry of Immigration on the Arrima portal to attest that you’ll learn about democratic values and Quebec’s values. Your spouse and dependent children over age 18 must also complete their attestations, or your application will be denied. The review process will begin after your attestations are submitted.
Next Steps
Your application will get one of three rankings:
- Selection
- Refusal on the grounds of not fulfilling all the conditions of the program or an incomplete submission
- Refusal on the grounds of missing your interview, lack of convincing evidence to dispel the grounds for rejection, or suspected inauthenticity of information
If you’re selected, you and your family will receive your QSC. You’ll also get details about what to do next. Once you have your selection certificate, you may apply for permanent residency.
If you don’t fulfill all the program conditions or didn’t submit all documents in the correct format, you still have time. Present the missing documents or justifications to improve your application on or before the due date in the notification letter. Your application will be rejected if you miss the deadline.
If your application will be rejected because the authenticity of information you’ve given is in doubt, you missed your interview, or if you haven’t given evidence to dispel the grounds for rejection, you must provide sufficient evidence to dispel the rejection on or before the given due date.
If your application is accepted after you provide the requested information, you’ll then receive your QSC. This sets you up to renew your work permit and apply for a permanent residence visa.
Tip: Once you’re a permanent resident, apply for a Quebec driver’s license, health card, and Canadian social insurance number!
Set yourself up for success in the Quebec Experience Program by leaving enough time to complete the application. To ensure you’ve included everything you need, have someone you trust review your application before submitting it.
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Check out the ApplyBoard Platform. More than 500 programs in Quebec are open to international post-secondary students!
