Foreign workers in Quebec with three years of experience will now need to meet a French language proficiency requirement starting December 17, 2025. This new requirement mandates a spoken French proficiency equivalent to level 4 on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale for eligibility under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Special transition measures have been put in place for foreign workers already in Quebec. Workers accumulating three years of work experience in the province must meet the spoken French requirement by the specified date to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a work permit under the TFWP.

Who Needs to Meet the French Requirement?

Foreign workers in Quebec with three years of experience must meet the spoken French requirement by December 17, 2025, to be eligible for a CAQ and a work permit under the TFWP. Those already in Quebec under the TFWP will have until December 17, 2028, to comply with this requirement.

Some workers are exempt from the spoken French requirement, including those in agricultural occupations, foreign nationals in political organizations, and employees of recognized international non-governmental organizations in Quebec.

Reasons for the Measures

Quebec’s immigration authority aims to reduce immigration and address affordability and housing supply pressures. French is considered crucial to Quebec’s cultural identity, and the new language requirements are designed to select workers who can integrate into the Francophone community.

About the TFWP

Canada issues work permits through the TFWP and another program to foreign nationals. To work in Quebec under the TFWP, foreign workers must first obtain a CAQ and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before applying for a work permit through Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).