2019-11-07 – The Quebec provincial government has backtracked on some of the controversial changes made to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) after an outcry from affected candidates and apposition from the lawyers in the province.

Immigration Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette says those already in the province will not be subject to the changes, which came in effect on November 1, 2019.

The PEQ is a fast-track route to a Quebec Selection Certificate for international graduates and skilled workers who have spent the required amount of time in the province.

Prior to the Coalition Avenir Quebec's changes, all degrees made candidates eligible for the PEQ's international graduate stream. Under the November 1st changes, the list was limited to 65 bachelor's degrees, 24 masters, 7 doctorates as well as 59 college diplomas.

The new rules also saw a list of specific 'in-demand jobs' for the temporary foreign worker stream of the PEQ.

This meant candidates who came to Quebec through the PEQ, expecting to qualify for permanent residence, suddenly found out they did not as a result of the CAQ changes. Ironically the Quebec government had promoted its PEQ study programs to select communities overseas.

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The content of this article reflects the personal insight of Attorney Colin Singer and needs no disclaimer