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
Discounts and offers for international students in Canada
A student shopping at her local grocery store for essentials.
International students in Canada can work 24 hours a week off-campus
A young woman walks while carrying a laptop
IRCC closes the Student Direct Stream, effective immediately
A college student walking on campus steps outside.
Quebec changes eligibility requirements for the PEQ Graduates stream
A mass of students in front of a building on Quebec's McGill University campus
Top Stories
Are you eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner for Canadian immigration?
Report identifies occupations set for salary increases in Canada in 2025
How to prepare for your Canadian citizenship test
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Citizenship
How to prepare for your Canadian citizenship test
A young woman sits at a table with books and a laptop.
How can I apply for Canadian citizenship?
A picture of a girl holding two Canadian flags
Here’s what you can expect during your virtual citizenship ceremony in Canada
A woman in a red blazer smiles while sitting in front of a laptop.
What’s the difference between Canadian permanent residency and Canadian citizenship?
A person with a packed bag stands on a road with the Canadian flag in front of them.
Link copied to clipboard