Applications for Quebec Experience Program’s Graduate Stream suspended until November

CIC News
Published: July 10, 2019

Pour lire cet article en français, cliquez ici.

Applications to the Quebec Experience Program's Graduates Stream are being suspended until Nov. 1, 2019, the Government of Quebec has announced. 

Details of the suspension are laid out in new ministerial instructions issued July 10 by province's Immigration Minister, Simon Jolin-Barrette.

There are two exceptions to the new decree. They are:

  • graduates living in Quebec and holding a work permit that is valid on July 10, 2019, and expires before Nov. 1, 2019.
  • candidates who had their application for a Quebec Selection Certificate terminated on June 16, 2019, and were either a temporary resident of Quebec when they had applied or were working or studying in Quebec on June 16, 2019.

June 16, 2019, was the date when reforms to Quebec’s immigration laws were passed that cancelled around 16,000 pending applications to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

The suspension of applications from all other Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l’expérience québécoise, or PEQ) graduate stream candidates takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until November 1, 2019.

The PEQ provides a pathway to Canadian 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 of Quebec said in a news release.

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.

The governing Coalition Avenir Quebec party reduced the province's immigration level by 20 per cent after coming to power in October 2018, to a target of 40,000 for the current year.

Quebec's Immigration Ministry said it is still possible for Québec graduates who wish to remain in the province to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit from the Government of Canada

© 2019 CICNews All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Senators release new report on improving the integrity of Canada’s international student program
Four members of Canada’s Senate released a report on September 20, outlining how to strengthen the integrity of the country’s international student program.
I’m coming to Canada on a TRV. Can I bring my family with me?
A happy family of three relaxing in the lounge and being playful together
Express Entry: IRCC confirms it will resume draws this week
Scenic highway in Canada
IRCC application backlog slowly shrinking despite higher number of applications
Colourful autumn leaves on a country road.
Top Stories
What counts as eligible work experience for immigration through Express Entry?
Getting your prescription medication as a newcomer to Canada
Senators release new report on improving the integrity of Canada’s international student program
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Study
Senators release new report on improving the integrity of Canada’s international student program
Four members of Canada’s Senate released a report on September 20, outlining how to strengthen the integrity of the country’s international student program.
Study in Canada: What we know about IRCC’s proposed Trusted Institutions Framework
trusted institutions framework study in canada
IRCC extends transition period for distance learning measures to December 2023
Student completing distance studies online.
What to do in your first month as an international student in Canada
A young woman in a school library surrounded by students.
Link copied to clipboard