Foreign students who have studied in Quebec may be eligible to apply for a CSQ under the PEQ if they:

• show an intention to settle in Quebec to hold a job;
• have stayed temporarily in Quebec for the purposes of study;
• have obtained an eligible degree or diploma from an educational institution recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education within the past 36 months;
• have studied in Quebec for at least 1,800 hours (two years)

Language requirements

• show a final transcript attesting to the successful completion of at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study completed entirely in French (including the master’s and doctoral theses, if applicable); or
• a final transcript attesting to the successful completion of a study program in Québec completed entirely in French (including the master’s and doctoral theses, if applicable); or
• prove French ability by way of a standardized language test recognized by the Government of Quebec; or
• show that they have successfully completed an advanced intermediate level French course at a Quebec educational institution; or
• show that they have satisfied the French language requirements of the professional order governing their occupation in Quebec.

The Government of Quebec will not issue a CSQ until the applicant submits a complete transcript and an attestation of successful completion of diploma. 

Apply under the PEQ as a Temporary Foreign Worker

Temporary Foreign Workers in Quebec may be eligible to apply for a CSQ under the PEQ if they:

• show an intention to settle in Quebec to hold a job;
• have stayed temporarily in Quebec for the purposes of work;
• have had full-time work experience in Quebec for at least 12 months of the 24 months preceding the submission of an application;
• have legal status in Quebec as a temporary worker or as part of a youth exchange program, such as International Experience Canada (IEC) (Working Holiday, Young Professionals or International Co-op Internship). 
• are employed at the time of the application.

Language requirements

• prove French ability by way of a standardized language test recognized by the Government of Quebec; or
• show that they have successfully completed an advanced intermediate level French course at a Quebec educational institution; or
• show a final transcript attesting to the successful completion of at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study completed entirely in French (including the master’s and doctoral theses, if applicable); or
• show that they have satisfied the French language requirements of the professional order governing their occupation in Quebec.

Full-time work experience for the PEQ

The MIFI considers a minimum of 30 hours of paid work per week as full-time employment. Full-time work experience acquired as an international student while on a Post-Graduation Work Permit or under a Youth Exchange/International Experience Canada (IEC) Program may be taken into account if the applicant meets all PEQ requirements. MIFI will not consider any period of part-time work, self-employment, or entrepreneurial work under the PEQ. 

Quebec immigration authorities expect the assessment of applications under the PEQ to be completed on a fast-track basis.