How will the “Quebec Graduates” component of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) be improved?
French-speaking foreign students will be able to apply for permanent residence as soon as they finish their studies. Since 2020, they must have 12-18 months of post-graduation work experience to qualify. The new version of the PEQ “is aimed at students who have followed a study program in French”, specified the minister, in a scrum with the press, after her speech. “Otherwise, you have to prove that you have spent three years of secondary or post-secondary studies in French. »
And why will foreign students studying in English be excluded, even if they speak French?
“Because that’s the line we drew,” replied M.me Fréchette, without giving further details. If they wish to apply for permanent residence in Quebec, these English-trained graduates will have to apply for the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which, in the best-case scenario, will be implemented in the fall of 2024. agreed to opt for the three years [d’études en français] because, for us, three years spent in a French-language education system allowed us to reach the levels that must be reached for those who qualify, directly, with a Quebec diploma in French,” explained the Minister. .
Will the other component of the PEQ, which is intended for temporary workers, be relaxed?
“Hardly,” said M.me Frechette. A job category has been included, including occupations like baker, patient care worker or truck driver, “but that’s not going to improve the program in a clear way,” she noted. The gateway for temporary workers will be the future Skilled Worker Selection Program. “The PSTQ is coming and that is what will become our magnet, our central point of attraction, particularly component 2,” added the Minister. This component 2 is intended for manual workers “with more intermediate skills”, who are unable to qualify under the current Regular Program for Quebec Workers (PRTQ). The French requirements will be lower in their case.