French language requirements for workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
On November 19, 2025, the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) published in the Gazette officielle du Québec a Regulation amending the Quebec Immigration Regulation. This regulation will come into effect on December 17, 2025. As a result, it introduces two important new requirements regarding the francisation of foreign workers.
Francisation requirements for employers
The Government of Quebec aims to strengthen employers’ commitment to supporting their staff in learning French. To achieve this goal, employers must comply with two new requirements.
First, employers must inform foreign workers about free francisation services available to help them learn French.
Second, companies employing 25 or more people must comply with the francisation process under the Charter of the French Language. In Quebec, this compliance will be required to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
However, agricultural businesses are exempt from this requirement.
How to prepare internally?
Employers must comply with the francisation process set out in the Charter of the French Language. To do so, they must hold one of the following documents:
- A francisation certificate issued by the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF)
- Or an internal document to submit to the OQLF francisation program (such as a registration certificate, a language situation analysis, or a certificate of program implementation under the Charter).
Since June 1, 2025, companies with 25 to 49 employees are required to register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF). Previously, this obligation applied only to companies with more than 50 employees.
In case of non-compliance:
Consequently, LMIA applications will be refused. Moreover, this reason for refusal will also apply to validated job offer applications under the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) or the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP).
Notably, holding a validated job offer improves a candidate’s score under the SWSP, increasing their chances of selection.
Language requirements for Temporary Foreign Workers
Starting December 17, 2025, temporary foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must demonstrate oral French proficiency at Level 4 according to the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français (Quebec Scale of French Proficiency Levels).
This language level ensures basic functional skills to understand safety instructions and exercise their rights.
This measure will apply to applications for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) submitted as part of a work permit renewal. Accordingly, it targets workers who have accumulated three years in Quebec as workers.
However, this requirement does not apply to agricultural workers.
For workers already in Quebec, a transitional measure is in place. Indeed, it aims to help them obtain and demonstrate the required French proficiency level. Language skills assessment will begin on December 17, 2028.
Preparation tips for employers
Starting December 17, here are our three recommendations:
- If you haven’t done so yet, check your compliance with the francisation process (registration, certificate, or other OQLF document). Otherwise, get informed about it.
- Identify the workers affected by these new measures. Inform them about the available francisation services to best prepare them to meet the requirement of achieving oral French Level 4.
- If you have any questions about LMIA applications or your organization’s internal compliance with the new requirements, don’t hesitate to seek information. To prevent any risk of refusal, consult a regulated immigration professional.
Our professionals are available to answer your questions.