Effective December 2025, foreign nationals working in Quebec under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will be required to demonstrate French-speaking proficiency after three years of employment in the province.
Also Read Quebec to Enforce French-Speaking Requirement for Long-Term Temporary Workers by 2025
New Language Rule Comes Into Effect in December 2025
Beginning December 17, 2025, foreign employees who have completed three or more years of work in Quebec will need to prove their ability to speak French at a level equivalent to Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) Level 4. This new regulation will apply to those seeking a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) to renew or extend their work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The move marks another significant step in Quebec’s ongoing efforts to promote French as the dominant language in workplaces and public life across the province.
Transitional Measures for Existing Workers
The Quebec government has announced that temporary foreign workers currently employed in the province will be given a three-year grace period to comply with the new rule.
This means that existing TFWP participants will have until December 17, 2028, to achieve the required level of French proficiency.
During this transition window, workers can continue renewing their CAQ and work permits even if they do not yet meet the French language benchmark.
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Exemptions to the Rule
While the policy is broad in scope, several categories of workers will not be subject to the French proficiency requirement, including:
- Individuals employed in agricultural occupations
- Foreign representatives working in the political offices of other countries
- Employees of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) officially recognized by the Government of Quebec
These exemptions acknowledge the unique, often temporary nature of such employment roles and their limited interaction with the local labour market.
Why Quebec Is Implementing This Change
The Quebec government has made clear that this measure serves a dual purpose.
First, it aims to address demographic and housing pressures by moderating the number of temporary residents, including foreign workers and international students, in the province. Second, and equally important, the policy reinforces Quebec’s commitment to preserving the French language as the foundation of its social and cultural identity.
Officials have repeatedly emphasized that integrating newcomers through the French language is key to ensuring that the province remains distinct within Canada. By prioritizing workers who can communicate effectively in French, Quebec hopes to strengthen its Francophone workforce and promote long-term integration for those seeking permanent residence in the future.
Understanding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is one of Canada’s two major work authorization pathways for foreign nationals, alongside the International Mobility Program (IMP).
The TFWP is designed to help Canadian employers address labour shortages by hiring foreign workers when no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for specific roles.
Each application under this program requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a document that confirms the hire will not negatively affect the domestic labour market.
In contrast, the International Mobility Program offers work permits that do not require an LMIA, usually issued for reasons of economic, cultural, or reciprocal benefit to Canada. Common examples include Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) and Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP).
Quebec’s Broader Immigration Context
Quebec’s approach to immigration remains distinct from that of other Canadian provinces.
Under its special immigration powers, Quebec sets its own selection criteria and issues CAQs to foreign workers and students as a prerequisite for obtaining federal authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This latest language policy aligns with the province’s ongoing strategy to reduce temporary immigration, promote Francophone integration, and safeguard linguistic heritage amid changing demographic realities.
Key Takeaway
Foreign workers who plan to remain in Quebec long-term will now need to actively build French-speaking skills to continue their careers in the province.
With the implementation of this rule, Quebec reinforces its message: mastering French is not only a professional requirement but also a pathway to deeper integration and belonging in the province’s cultural and economic landscape.
