Graduates of Quebec post-secondary institutions looking to settle in the province will soon need to meet stricter French-language requirements. Starting on November 23, 2024, only programs where at least 75% of courses or credits are completed in French will be eligible for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) Graduates component. This change significantly impacts both college and university students in different ways.
New French-Language Requirements by Level of Study
The French-language requirements will vary depending on the level and type of program:
Vocational and College Training Programs
- 75% of courses must be completed in French.
University Undergraduate Programs
- 75% of program credits must be completed in French.
University Master’s and PhD Programs
- 75% of program credits must be completed in French.
Although theses, dissertations, internships, and research labs can be conducted in a language other than French, all other courses or credits within the program must meet the French-language requirement.
Eligibility for PEQ Graduates Stream
Students who graduate from a Quebec institution but do not meet the new French-language criteria may still be eligible for the PEQ Graduate component if they have completed at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies in French, either in Quebec or abroad.
Temporary Pause on PEQ Graduate Applications
In addition to these new criteria, Quebec’s immigration department, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), has announced a temporary pause on PEQ Graduate applications until June 30, 2025. As a result, the number of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) issued to PEQ graduate candidates is expected to drop sharply, from 14,500 in 2024 to only 4,500-5,700 in 2025.
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Immigration Pathways for PEQ Candidates Outside Quebec
For those impacted by the pause on the PEQ Graduate component, there are still other immigration options available, including:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): A federal immigration program that requires candidates to have at least one year of Canadian work experience and demonstrate language proficiency (CLB 5 or 7) in English or French.
- Express Entry for French Speakers: Candidates who qualify for Express Entry may be eligible for category-based selections if they meet the required language skills (CLB 7 in all language areas).
These alternative pathways offer flexibility for those looking to pursue immigration outside Quebec.
While the new French-language requirements and temporary pause on PEQ Graduate applications will affect many potential immigrants, other pathways, including the Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry for French speakers, remain viable options. It’s important for candidates to review the updated requirements and consider all available immigration streams.
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