Quebec has introduced major changes to the requirements that international students and those with work experience in Quebec must meet in order to obtain permanent residence.

There is no confirmation from the provincial office whether these changes will affect the pending applications.

One of the major changes is the introduction of an in-demand occupation list (For French only). Candidates with work experience of working in the province must have work experience in any one of the occupations that are mentioned in the list.

International students applying to the PEQ will have to ensure their area of training is one of the Quebec degrees listed under sections A and B of Quebec’s Area of Training list.

That list is available here.

Language Requirements

Effective January 1, 2020, French competency can be proven by:

1. The result of a standardized test.
2. Fulfilment the language requirements of a professional order in Quebec.
3. Successful completion of at least three years of secondary or post-secondary study conducted entirely in French.

New language requirements will also be imposed on spousal visa applicants.

Both the applicant and their spouse will have to demonstrate a high intermediate level of French, or a CLB 7 or 8.