Quebec Enforces French Proficiency Rule for All Incoming Foreign Workers

Foreign workers who have spent three or more years working in Quebec will soon need to prove they can speak French. Starting December 17, 2025, the province will require these workers to show a spoken French ability equal to level 4 on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale. This new rule applies to anyone applying for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

The rule aims to make sure workers who stay longer in Quebec can speak and communicate in the province’s main language.

Transition Time for Current Workers

The government has planned a transition period for foreign workers already in Quebec. Those who are already working under the TFWP will have until December 17, 2028, to meet the French-speaking requirement. During this time, they can still renew their work permits by applying for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) without showing proof of French ability.

However, after the grace period ends, these workers will also need to meet the same language standard to keep working in the province.

Who Must Meet the Requirement

The rule affects most foreign workers in Quebec who fall under the TFWP. To continue working after the set date, they must prove their French-speaking skills if they have completed at least three years of work experience in the province.

Certain groups, however, will not need to meet the French-speaking rule. These include:

• Temporary foreign workers in agriculture
  
• Foreign nationals working in political offices of foreign states
  
• Employees of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) recognized by Quebec’s government
  

Before applying for a work permit, foreign workers must first get a CAQ from Quebec’s immigration ministry. This certificate is required for both foreign students and workers before applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is also needed to prove that no Canadian could fill the job.

Why Quebec Is Making This Change

Quebec’s government wants to reduce the number of temporary residents, including both international students and foreign workers. The province says this move helps manage housing and affordability issues while supporting the protection of the French language.

French is central to Quebec’s culture and identity. The province believes that encouraging workers to learn French helps newcomers integrate better and strengthens the province’s Francophone character.

These measures also aim to attract workers who can easily adapt to Quebec’s way of life and possibly move toward permanent residency in the future.

About the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Canada allows foreign nationals to work through two main programs: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

The TFWP helps employers fill job shortages when no Canadians are available. Every TFWP work permit is linked to a specific employer and requires an LMIA. The IMP, on the other hand, allows certain foreign workers to get work permits for cultural or economic reasons without needing an LMIA.

Examples under the IMP include Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs), and Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs).