Quebec backtracks on changes proposed on the PEQ program

In early November of 2019, the Quebec government announced some serious changes to the PEQ immigration program. Such changes would have made it extremely difficult for foreigners who were already in Quebec, including international students and temp workers, to gain permanent residency.

People and institutions alike protested around the province. After just one week, the Quebec government canceled the proposed changes– and would consult the province’s citizens before opting for harsh changes in the future.

So what does this been for Quebec-based immigrants and workers? Let’s find out.What is the PEQ Program?

The Programme de l’expérience québécoise (a.k.a. PEQ or “Québec Experience Program”) is an accelerated placement program for workers in Quebec who wish to have a Certificat de sélection du Québec (a.k.a. “Québec selection certificate”) for the purpose of obtaining permanent selection and residence. Essentially, PEQ accelerates one’s ability to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate, which is the very first step towards becoming a permanent resident of the province.

This program is designated for graduate students in Quebec as well as temporary foreign workers who meet certain criteria, such as advanced French-speaking abilities. This program also does not take into consideration the applicant’s spouse for the selection process.

If an applicant has a post-graduate work permit, they can apply for permanent residence as a Quebec graduate as well as a temporary foreign worker based on the selection conditions that have the greatest advantages for the applicant.

What Changes Were Proposed to the PEQ Program?

The Quebec government announced its intent to administer a change to the PEQ immigration program on November 1st, 2019. The changes significantly limited who could be eligible for the PEQ and applied to new applicants as well as those already living and working in the province under the PEQ. Before the changes, all degrees of students and workers were eligible for the program. The changes would have made it only possible to get into the program if the applicant was part of at least one of the following:

Seven doctorate programs
Twenty-four masters programs
Sixty-five bachelor programs
Fifty-nine collegiate diplomas

The restrictions were similarly harsher on temporary foreign workers. The changes would require workers to hold a job that specifically appears on a niche list of “in-demand” positions at the time of application for permanent selection.

To put it simply, the changes would have made immigrating to Quebec harder and would have affected the students and workers already in Quebec.

What the Change Cancellation Means for Foreign Students and Temporary Workers in Canada

Many people, mostly students and workers but also including institutions, protested heavily around the province. Many accused Quebec Immigration Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette for making major life-changing amendments to the program without consulting relevant stakeholders and considering how the changes could potential upend families. Some student protestors also claimed that the PEQ was a major reason for them studying in Quebec to begin with.

After just one week, the Quebec government canceled the changes in total and claimed that they will now consult the population before coming back with more changes to the program.

So what now?

While the changes have been canceled, they likely won’t be permanent. The government included a grandfather clause that makes it possible for students and temporary workers currently involved with PEQ, who are not part of the new list of programs, to maintain their eligibility for permanent selection. However, Jolin-Barrette has made it clear that the changes are “really a good reform” and that the needs of the Quebec market need to be fulfilled.

If you’re a student or worker considering the PEQ program in the near feature, be sure to look into the list of required college degrees and employment positions before applying.

What do you think about the proposed changes to the PEQ program and the cancellation of said changes? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!

Photo source: Pixabay

Disclaimer : The content of this blog is not legal advice and and may not be accurate or complete. If you require legal advice, contact a licensed legal practitioner directly.