Starting December 17, 2025, foreign nationals with three or more years of work experience in Quebec will need to demonstrate spoken French proficiency at level 4 (NCLC) to qualify for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
To remain eligible, affected workers must meet this requirement when renewing their Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and applying for a new work permit.
However, current TFWP workers in Quebec will benefit from a three-year transition period, allowing them until December 17, 2028 to reach the required French level. During this time, they may continue to extend their permits without meeting the new rule.
Exemptions apply to
- Agricultural workers
- Employees of foreign political organizations
- Staff of international non-governmental organizations recognized by Quebec
This policy supports the province’s dual objectives of reducing temporary resident numbers and strengthening French as the cornerstone of Quebec’s cultural identity. The measure aligns with the province’s broader effort to prioritize Francophone integration and manage population
pressures linked to housing and affordability.
Under the TFWP, foreign workers need both a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and a CAQ before applying to IRCC for a work permit.
