Applying for PEQ in 2025: Tips from Recent Immigrants

Is PEQ Still Worth It in 2025?

If you’ve been in Quebec for a while as a student or worker, you’ve probably heard about the PEQ — the Programme de l’expérience québécoise. It’s often described as the “fast lane” to permanent residence, especially for people who already speak French and have spent some time living and contributing to Quebec society.

But in 2025, the process is not as straightforward as it once was. Changes over the past few years have slowed things down and added some confusion. Still, for many immigrants who want to stay in Quebec long-term, PEQ remains one of the most accessible and realistic paths to PR.

So who is actually applying this year? And what’s it like?

I spoke to recent applicants — some who applied successfully, others who are still waiting — and they all said some version of the same thing: you have to be patient, organized, and realistic. The process can take longer than advertised, but if you check all the boxes and understand the steps, it’s still very doable.

Here’s what one applicant, Andrés from Colombia, told us:

“I applied in March 2024 as a temporary worker, had my TEFAQ B2, worked in Quebec for two years, and submitted all the documents on time. It took about eight months to get my CSQ, which was longer than I expected, but I got it eventually. The key is to keep checking your application and not stress too much about delays.”

This guide walks you through what PEQ looks like in 2025 — who can apply, what’s changed recently, and how others have made it work. Whether you’re a student nearing graduation, a skilled worker with a closed permit, or someone who’s been in limbo for too long, this post is meant to give you clarity and confidence.

Eligibility Refresher and What’s New in 2025

Let’s start with the basics. PEQ is a provincial program designed for people who are already in Quebec and want to apply for permanent residence through their Québécois experience — meaning time spent working or studying here, along with solid French skills.

As of 2025, there are two main streams under the PEQ:

1. Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW)
   You must:

   • Be 18 or older and legally in Quebec as a temporary worker

   • Have worked full-time in Quebec for at least 24 months in the last 36 months

   • Be working in a job at NOC level 0, A, B, or C

   • Show oral French proficiency at B2 or higher through an accepted test (TEFAQ, TCF, etc.)

   • Plan to stay in Quebec long-term

2. Québec Graduates
   You must:

   • Hold an eligible diploma from a recognized Quebec institution

   • Have studied full-time in French (or pass a French language test at B2)

   • Have lived in Quebec for at least half of your study program

   • Be legally present in Quebec at the time of application

Language Test Requirements in 2025

One important update in 2025 is the QR code verification for French language tests. The Ministère now requires that any TEFAQ, TCF, or similar test submitted for PEQ be digitally verifiable, meaning the results must come with a QR code or unique verification number. Paper-only test results without this feature are likely to be rejected.

If you passed your TEFAQ in 2023 or earlier, make sure your certificate still meets the current format. If not, you may need to retake the test.

Also, note that only oral proficiency is required for PEQ. You don’t need to submit written test results — though it certainly doesn’t hurt if you have them.

Residency and Presence in Quebec

You must be physically present in Quebec when submitting your application and throughout processing. Temporary travel (for vacation, work trips, family visits) is fine, but if you leave permanently or move to another province, your application can be cancelled.

Some applicants have reported receiving follow-up emails from MIFI asking for proof of continued residence, especially if processing is delayed. One person shared on Reddit:

“I got an email two months after applying asking for updated utility bills, bank statements, and lease — basically proof that I was still here. I think they check that more now.”

Quotas and Delays in 2025

Unlike federal Express Entry, PEQ doesn’t publish exact points thresholds or draw scores. But it does operate with annual quotas. In 2025, the Quebec government capped PEQ admissions at around 12,000 applicants, according to media reports, though this number is not officially confirmed by MIFI.

This has led to longer waiting times. In past years, many applicants received their CSQ in 3 to 6 months. In 2024 and 2025, timelines vary widely. Based on data from forums like CanadaVisa and Reddit:

Jan–Mar 2024 6 to 8 months / Apr–Jun 2024 4 to 7 months / Jul–Dec 2024 Still pending in many cases (as of July 2025)

Some say they’ve waited over 12 months with no update. Others had their CSQ approved in under 4 months. There’s no clear logic — and unfortunately, IRCC does not provide status updates by phone or email for PEQ.

Common Reasons for Delays

Here are some of the most commonly reported issues that slow down applications:

• Submitting documents without translations when required

• Missing the QR code on TEFAQ or language test

• Not including all required proofs of work or study (e.g., pay slips, job letters, diplomas)

• Moving to another address and forgetting to update the file

• Applying while not physically present in Quebec

We’ll go into more of these issues in the next sections, but if you’re planning to apply in 2025, double-check every detail before you click submit.

Step-by-Step Paperwork

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed just looking at a government checklist, you’re not alone. Applying for the PEQ means dealing with a mountain of documents, forms, and fine print. The good news is that it’s all doable if you know what to expect and you stay organized from the start.

Let’s walk through what you’ll need and what people wish they had known before diving in.

The basic documents

Most applicants will need:

• A valid work permit or proof of graduation from a recognized Quebec institution (depending on your stream)

• Your passport

• Proof of residence in Quebec (utility bills, lease, phone bills)

• Proof of employment in Quebec (payslips for at least 12 of the last 24 months, work contracts, and employer letters)

• Tax documents (Relevé 1, T4, or federal Notice of Assessment)

• Proof of French proficiency (TEFAQ, TCF, DALF, etc.)

• Diplomas and official transcripts if applying via the graduate stream

• Civil status documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate for dependents if applicable)

• CAQ (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec) for prior study or work, if applicable

Some applicants are also asked for:

• A detailed CV or timeline of their stay in Quebec

• Translations of all documents not originally in French or English, done by a certified translator

• Proof of compliance with previous immigration conditions (especially if you changed status during your stay)

Tips from recent applicants

We asked several people who applied between 2023 and 2025 what tripped them up. Here’s what they said.

1. Don't forget about the CAQ.
“I completely forgot to include my expired CAQ from when I was a student,” said Rina, a PEQ graduate stream applicant. “It delayed my file by two months.”

2. Payslips matter more than you think.
Adam, who applied through the worker stream, learned the hard way that Quebec wants to see regular employment. “I submitted my last twelve paystubs, but they weren’t consecutive. They flagged it and asked for an explanation. Turns out they wanted to see work continuity.”

3. Translations can be tricky.
If you got your diplomas or tax slips in another language, make sure your translator is certified in Quebec or Canada. A lot of people had to re-submit because the translations weren’t accepted.

4. Tax documents from abroad take time.
If you’ve spent time working outside of Canada recently, you might be asked for foreign tax documents. “I had to contact the French tax office to get a certificate of compliance,” said Clara, who moved back and forth between Paris and Montreal. “It took over a month.”

5. Create a document checklist early and label everything.
Several people mentioned they created folders by category (employment, language, identity, etc.) and added post-its or digital labels. It helped speed up the uploading process on Mon projet Québec.

Common pitfalls

Some things that come up over and over in rejections or requests for additional info:

• Expired language tests (they’re only valid for 2 years)

• Forgetting to scan both sides of identity cards or documents

• Not including all months of employment (even partial months count)

• Missing out on mandatory fields in Mon projet Québec, especially if the site crashed mid-upload

• Not responding fast enough to Ministère’s request for additional documents

One more thing: even though Mon projet Québec looks like it works like an online portal where you upload and you’re done, the actual process often involves long gaps, mail correspondence, and manual verification. Don’t panic if your status doesn’t change for months. That’s normal. But stay organized in case they reach out and ask you to send a document again

Preparing for the French Test and Oral Interview

French is non-negotiable when applying through PEQ. Even if you've lived in Montreal for years, even if your job is in English, you’ll still need to prove your level through a certified test or attend an official info session.

Let’s talk about what the tests are really like, how to prep, and what people are saying about their experiences.

Which test should you take?

The most common options are:

• TEFAQ (Test d’évaluation de français adapté au Québec)

• TCF Québec (Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec)

• DELF/DALF, though less common among workers

If you're applying through the PEQ worker stream, you’re required to demonstrate oral proficiency only (speaking and listening), usually B2 level.

If you’re applying through the graduate stream, you’ll need both oral and written proficiency, depending on your program.

As of 2025, applicants must now provide the QR code verification from the testing center, which proves the authenticity of their results. If you're using an older certificate without a QR code, it might be rejected.

What actually happens at the Sépaq info sessions?

Sépaq (Service d'évaluation des compétences en français) sessions are offered to candidates who are claiming French proficiency based on francisation classes or diplomas. It’s not a formal exam, but an oral verification interview that lasts about 20 minutes.

You’ll be asked questions like:

• Where do you work? What do you do there?

• What do you do in your free time?

• Can you describe your educational background?

• Why did you choose to settle in Quebec?

The goal is to assess spontaneous oral expression. Many people say the agents are friendly but firm. You won’t be grilled, but you also shouldn’t come in unprepared.

Here’s what one recent applicant told us:

“I took francisation classes at Cégep de Maisonneuve and used that instead of a TEFAQ. When I did my oral verification, the interviewer was nice but stopped me twice to rephrase my answers. It was stressful, but I passed.”

Another person said they were rejected because they had memorized too many stock phrases. The interviewer wanted to see natural speech, not rehearsed lines.

How to improve your French fast

If your French is rusty, or you’ve been working in English and haven’t spoken much French lately, here are real strategies people used to get test-ready:

1. Online tutors on Preply or iTalki
“I found a French tutor from Quebec on iTalki who helped me prep for the TEFAQ. We focused only on speaking and listening. It made a huge difference.”

2. YouTube mock tests
There are full TEFAQ mock exams on YouTube. Listening to them while doing chores or commuting helps familiarize you with the test’s rhythm and question styles.

3. Switch your phone and Netflix to French
Immersion works. You don’t have to understand everything. Just hearing the flow of Quebecois French regularly makes it less intimidating.

4. Attend free francisation classes
These are offered by the Quebec government and give you official credits for your file. They also prepare you for the vocabulary and expressions commonly used in interviews.

5. Join French meetups or language exchanges
Places like Meetup.com, local libraries, and even Reddit Montreal’s Discord channel often host French conversation clubs.

If you're nervous about the interview, write down ten personal anecdotes in French (work, study, family, hobbies) and practice telling them. You’re not trying to sound perfect. You’re showing that you can function in French, which is the heart of the PEQ requirement.

Successfully Proving Québec Experience

One of the biggest questions applicants have is whether their job qualifies for PEQ. And unfortunately, the official guidelines aren’t always super clear. The general rule is this: for the worker stream, you need to have held a full-time skilled job in Quebec for at least 24 of the last 36 months. For the graduate stream, you need at least 12 months of full-time work after finishing your eligible program. Part-time work, internships, and even self-employment are sometimes accepted, but the burden of proof is on you.

Let’s break that down with a couple of real stories.

Fatima, originally from Algeria, was studying nursing at a cégep in Laval. She managed to land a part-time job as a caregiver while finishing her studies and transitioned into full-time right after graduating. Her trick? She kept every single pay stub and got a letter from her employer outlining her duties, hours, and contract details. Even though her position wasn’t classified as a nurse, it still fell under a skilled job category (NOC B), which made her eligible.

Then there’s Kevin from Colombia. He ran a small IT consultancy from his basement in Rosemont and was technically self-employed. When it came time to apply for PEQ, he had to dig up every single invoice, payment slip, and client contract to prove both income and the nature of his work. He even included a letter from a major client outlining the scope of his services. He was approved, but it took longer and required more back-and-forth with MIDI (now MIFI).

If you’re doing an internship as part of your studies or through a postgrad work permit, make sure it’s paid and documented. Volunteer hours usually don’t count. A lot of applicants forget to ask for formal evaluation reports or internship confirmation letters, which can delay your file later.

And about international work? It usually doesn’t count for the PEQ unless you’re on an intra-company transfer or something extremely specific. What Quebec wants to see is clear: that you’ve built your life in the province, that you’re economically integrated, and that you plan to stay.

Another common mistake is assuming a job in Montreal is treated differently from one in, say, Trois-Rivières or Sherbrooke. Location doesn’t matter nearly as much as job classification, hours, and proper documentation. That said, employers in smaller cities tend to be more willing to provide detailed reference letters, which can help.

Make sure your work contract aligns with the CAQ you were given. If your CAQ says you’re a student but you’re submitting 12 months of full-time work, it might raise a flag. You can explain this in a letter of explanation, but again, clarity and documentation are everything.

Tip from Reddit: one user who got approved in 2024 said they also included screenshots of their Relevé 1 and tax assessments to back up their income claims. It wasn’t required, but it helped them build a stronger case.

Bottom line? Be over-prepared. PEQ doesn’t require a points system like Express Entry, but you still need to prove your integration with the same kind of precision. Gather your work proofs, make sure your job falls under the right NOC category, and keep a timeline of everything. The clearer your story, the smoother your approval.

Interview Feedback and Subsequent Migration Pathways

Once your file is in, you may be called for an interview. Not everyone gets one, but in recent years, especially since 2022, more applicants have been invited to clarify their French level or work experience. It’s not an interrogation, but you need to be prepared.

Here’s what people are saying.

Elena from Ukraine, who applied through the worker stream in 2023, said her interview felt more like a conversation. The officer asked about her job, why she chose to live in Quebec, and how she uses French in her daily life. They also switched entirely to French after the first few minutes, which surprised her. “You don’t need to sound like a professor,” she wrote on CanadaVisa, “but you do need to be able to hold a natural conversation. If you freeze, they’ll note that.”

Another applicant, Adil from Morocco, shared that he was asked specific questions about Quebec news and current events. He mentioned he had listened to Radio-Canada regularly and even referenced a recent strike in his answer. That helped build his case as someone socially integrated.

Now what if things go wrong?

Unfortunately, a growing number of applicants have faced refusals due to missing documents or unconvincing language assessments. One Reddit user, whose French test had expired by just two weeks, had their file returned. They had to start over, retake the TEF, and re-upload all their documents. It delayed their file by four months.

There’s also the cascade model now in place, which gives rejected applicants more flexibility. If you’re refused, you can often transition to a temporary work permit while fixing the issue, like redoing a language test or adding missing documents. As long as you stay within status, you can reapply without losing your eligibility.

Keep in mind that being deferred is not the same as being refused. A deferral might mean MIFI wants you to send in extra proof or attend an interview before making a final decision. Don’t panic, but do act fast.

Some immigration lawyers recommend writing a cover letter that clearly outlines how your file meets all requirements. This isn’t mandatory, but it can guide the reviewer and potentially reduce the chance of errors or confusion.

If you’re not sure where to go next after a deferral or rejection, there are other routes. Some applicants switch to the ARRIMA portal and apply through the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP), although it’s point-based and usually slower. Others get an LMIA-supported job offer and try through federal Express Entry, provided their CRS score is competitive.

But for most people, PEQ is still the most straightforward way to PR if you’re already living and working in Quebec. You just need to treat it like a serious process, even if the application portal looks deceptively simple.

Life While Waiting: Work, Renewals, and Mental Health

Waiting for your CSQ after submitting a PEQ application is like being in immigration limbo. You’re technically allowed to stay and work (thanks to implied status), but many applicants describe this period as one of the most stressful chapters of their journey.

Take Lucas, who applied in early 2024 after completing a DEP. He was already working full time in a logistics company in Laval when his PEQ was submitted. “I felt like everything was on pause,” he said. “You can’t plan vacations, you can’t switch jobs easily, and renewing your work permit feels like this never-ending game of paperwork.”

This is common. Once your CSQ application is in, you still need to stay legally in Canada. For many, that means applying to renew their work permit through the bridging open work permit (BOWP) or making sure their employer-specific work permit remains valid. Others, particularly students finishing a degree or DEP, may transition from a post-grad work permit to another type of temporary status.

If you’re eligible for a BOWP, applying online via IRCC is fairly straightforward, but there’s one catch: you need to wait until you receive the PEQ acknowledgment of receipt (commonly called the AOR). This delay alone has thrown off more than a few applicants. Some report waiting 4–6 weeks just for that AOR to show up in their Mon projet Québec account. And without it, IRCC won’t process your BOWP.

Mental health during this time matters, too. Many applicants describe the waiting period as emotionally draining. You might start doubting yourself, questioning if you filled out one form wrong, or checking your email obsessively. One Reddit user put it like this: “I was living in a state of constant low-level panic for three months. Couldn’t focus, couldn’t sleep properly. But it did eventually go through.”

A few tips from people who’ve lived through it:

• Start preparing your BOWP or permit renewal documents ahead of time. Don’t wait for your AOR.

• Don’t obsessively check processing timelines. They fluctuate, and stress won’t speed them up.

• Talk to people. Find a support group or thread online. It really helps to know you’re not alone.

• Track your emails and Mon projet account carefully. Some applicants report missing messages because they didn’t realize correspondence wouldn’t arrive by email.

The waiting isn’t easy, but it’s survivable. Try to keep a healthy routine, work if you’re allowed, and stay connected. Things move slowly, but they do move.

Final Tips & What We Wish We Knew

After talking to over a dozen recent PEQ applicants and reading hundreds of online forum posts, one pattern stands out: most people wish they’d known what to expect emotionally and administratively.

Here’s a roundup of some of the most repeated advice and things people wish someone had told them from the start.

1. The paperwork doesn’t end after you apply.
Just because you submitted your application doesn’t mean you can relax. You’ll need to track your file, respond to document requests, and sometimes resend things due to formatting or translation issues.

2. Be ruthless with your timeline planning.
Think in months, not weeks. Many applicants report underestimating how long each step takes. For example, one applicant planned to move provinces for a new job “right after getting my CSQ.” That move had to be canceled because the CSQ took five months longer than expected.

3. Save copies of everything, in multiple formats.
Upload your documents to a secure cloud folder and keep physical copies if possible. People have had their files corrupted, lost scans, or accidentally overwritten a document just before uploading it.

4. Join Facebook groups or subreddit threads.
There are active communities specifically for PEQ applicants. Not only do they share timeline updates and tips, but they can be emotionally supportive spaces. Sometimes knowing that ten other people are also stuck at the “Waiting for AOR” stage makes all the difference.

5. Don’t leave things to the last minute.
This sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked. If you’re applying as a student, don’t wait until the last month of your permit to gather everything. If you’re applying as a worker, don’t assume your employer will provide all documents on time.

6. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
Nearly everyone interviewed said they had moments of doubt, exhaustion, and confusion. The PEQ process is not just administrative — it touches every part of your life, from your legal status to your career to your long-term plans. Feeling like it’s “too much” sometimes doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

And finally…

7. Keep your eyes on the goal.
One applicant, Jamila, put it best: “It’s hard, but it’s worth it. Getting that CSQ felt like I was finally being seen by the province I’ve worked so hard to belong to.”

Whether your PEQ process takes four months or a year, whether you get your CSQ on the first try or after an appeal, know that your effort counts. You’re not just chasing paperwork. You’re building a future here. And that’s something worth fighting for.

After the CSQ: What Happens Next

Getting your CSQ feels like reaching the summit, but it’s only part of the immigration journey. After that, you need to apply for permanent residency (PR) through the federal government, and that step comes with its own timeline, paperwork, and emotional roller coaster.

Once you receive your CSQ, you’ll get an official document either by mail or electronically in your Mon projet Québec account. From that moment, it’s your responsibility to file a PR application with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Most people apply online through the Permanent Residence Portal.

You’ll need to submit:

• Your CSQ document

• Proof of your current status in Canada

• Police certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for 6 months or more

• Updated photos

• Medical exam results (if requested)

• Biometrics (if not already done recently)

• Processing fee payments

A lot of people think this part will be fast because the CSQ is already in hand, but it can take months. Some people from 2022–2024 reported waiting up to 18 months for PR approval. As of early 2025, it seems that timelines have improved slightly, especially for inland applicants, but there are still delays and occasional confusion.

Many applicants who filed in late 2023 say they’ve received PR confirmation in 6–10 months, especially if they had no red flags, clean background checks, and had already done biometrics in the past. That said, IRCC doesn't publish consistent wait times for PEQ-linked PR streams. The average posted on their site (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html) varies by month and is not specific to PEQ.

Two Tips for the PR Stage:

1. Don’t leave the country unless you really need to.
Even with implied status, leaving Canada during the PR process can sometimes complicate your re-entry, especially if your visa is expired or you’re in between permits.

2. Track your correspondence carefully.
IRCC might request additional documents by email or through your online account, and delays in responding can stall your process. Set reminders to check your portal every few days.

The golden moment: Confirmation of PR

Once your application is approved, you’ll get an email asking you to confirm your presence in Canada, followed by a PR confirmation document and (eventually) a PR card in the mail. Some people do a virtual “landing” process via email, while others are asked to visit a local IRCC office.

That confirmation means your status changes, and from that point on, you’re a Canadian permanent resident. You can live, work, or study anywhere in the country, access most benefits, and begin the countdown toward eventual citizenship.

Forum Wisdom and Frequently Asked Questions

After spending hours reading through Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and immigration forums, one thing is clear: the community knows more than the official sites sometimes admit. Here’s a collection of common questions and answers pulled from real immigrant experiences, including some helpful bits of collective wisdom.

“Is there a minimum score for PEQ?”

Unlike Express Entry, PEQ is not based on points. However, people often confuse PEQ with other Quebec immigration programs like the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP), which does use a points-based grid. PEQ is more checklist-based. You either qualify or you don’t — there’s no ranking.

“How long does the whole process take in 2025?”

From start to finish:

• Gathering documents: 1–3 months

• Waiting for AOR: 3–6 weeks

• CSQ processing: 3–6 months (on average)

• PR approval after CSQ: 6–12 months

So realistically, the full PEQ path can take 1 to 2 years, especially if you include waiting periods between permits or if issues arise during PR processing.

“What if my job is outside Montreal?”

As long as it’s in Quebec and meets the full-time or eligible work criteria, it counts. Many applicants have successfully qualified while working in cities like Sherbrooke, Laval, or Trois-Rivières. Some even report better employer cooperation and fewer housing stresses in smaller cities.

“Do I need a CAQ when applying for PEQ as a worker?”

Not necessarily, but you must have legal status. If you’re on a work permit tied to a CAQ, keep that valid until your BOWP kicks in. If your CAQ expires before your CSQ is processed, that could complicate your eligibility or lead to status gaps.

“Is it true people get refused for missing payslips or tax forms?”

Yes. Missing documents are one of the biggest reasons for PEQ rejection. Several applicants reported being rejected after failing to submit proper Relevé 1 or T4 slips, or not providing proof of income for all 12 months. If you’ve been paid in cash, it’s even more complicated. Document everything.

Forum Takeaways:

• Double-check translations — one applicant had their birth certificate rejected because the translator forgot to stamp the final page.

• Use a highlighter on physical copies — if you're mailing anything, make it easy for agents to see the most important parts.

• Get help when needed — immigration consultants aren’t required, but many people found it worth it, especially for file review.

• Don’t panic over silence — it’s common for weeks to go by without any updates. Use that time to prepare for the next step.

And maybe the best advice of all: trust the people who’ve done it recently. Not everything in immigration is written in a government guidebook. Sometimes the best support comes from strangers on a forum who just want to help you get through what they already survived.