The Quebec Experience Program’s stream for post-secondary graduates has suspended applications until November 1, 2019, as announced by the Government of Quebec.
The exceptions to the new ruling include:
- Graduates who reside in Quebec, and hold a work permit that is valid on July 10, 2019, and expires before November 1, 2019
- Candidates who had their application for a Quebec Selection Certificate denied on June 16, 2019, and were either a temporary resident of the province when they applied or were working or studying in the province on June 16, 2019
On June 16, 2019, the province enacted several reforms to its immigration laws, cancelling pending applications on its Quebec Skilled Worker Program, and other applications under the Quebec Experience Program.
The Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) provides a pathway to permanent residence for eligible temporary residents who have studied or worked in Quebec on a temporary basis.
“The basis of this decision is to give priority to applicants who occupy a job in Québec during this period,” the government said in a statement.
The new ministerial guideless cited the need for the reason for the increase in international students being selected by the PEQ is to fill job vacancies for occupation in-demand in the province, as well help regions in the province where labour shortages exist.
The ministerial instructions cited, among other factors, the significant increase in international students being selected through the PEQ in recent years, saying there is a need to focus on the selection of candidates with either work experience or training in an area of expertise that’s currently in-demand in Quebec and especially those regions of the province where labour shortages are more acute.
Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration clarifies that Quebec graduates who wish to remain in the province can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit from the federal government.
For more information on how to immigrate to Quebec, contact Green Light Canada.
