The Quebec Experience Program is set up to assist skilled immigrants obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate more rapidly, thereby speeding up their chances towards attaining permanent residence.
Recent modifications to the PEQ policies presented a hard effect on students, possibly forcing their emigration from Quebec. Following public objections, Quebec Immigration Minister-Simon Jolin-Barrette, on November 6, introduced a ‘grandfather’ clause, preserving the status of people who were admissible to the program before the recent changes.
Initially, all degrees were acceptable under the PEQ but now, only 7 doctorate programs, 24 masters, 65 bachelors and 59 collegiate diplomas are permitted. Upon application, temporary foreign workers must have jobs that are listed “in-demand”, though it is believed that the list will be reviewed considering the demands of the Quebec labour market. Many students seemed discouraged by these changes as the PEQ was their original driving force for migrating to Quebec.
Concerned about the impact of the new policies, Quebec Premier- François Legault said: “I understand why Simon wanted to make the changes that are necessary, and we’ll do that in the future for future students. But we also have to be human with people who made decisions with former programs.”
Specifying Immigration as a major solution to the needs of the Quebec labour market, Minister Jolin-Barrette stated that though it was necessary to reform the labour market, he included the grandfather clause because he was compassionate about the needs of the people affected by the change.