In a meeting held on May 25th, Quebec Premier Francois Legault, along with the Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration, Christine Fréchette, and the Minister of the French Language, Jean-François Roberge, put forward significant changes to Quebec’s economic immigration criteria. The goal of these changes was to ensure that 96% of new economic immigrants to Quebec will have knowledge of French by 2027 (the current rate is 88 per cent). This initiative intends to promote Francophone economic immigration within Quebec.
Under the proposed changes, adults seeking to settle in Quebec will be required to demonstrate proficiency in spoken French. Applicants in certain categories will require an advanced intermediate level of French, both in oral and written proficiency, designated as Level 7. This criterion will apply to professionals like engineers, technicians, professors, graphic artists, teachers, and nurses, who possess specialized skill sets. For individuals working in less skilled positions, Level 5 proficiency in oral French (intermediate level) will be sufficient. Examples of such positions include hospital orderlies, cooks, and truck drivers. This requirement aims to ensure that individuals will be able to effectively communicate in French during their daily interactions at work and within their communities. Proof of the ability to communicate in French (speaking and listening) is demonstrated by theTest d’évaluation de français (TEF) or Test de connaissance du français (TCF) results
The modifications are part of a new permanent immigration program for skilled workers in Quebec. The Regular Skilled Worker Program will be replaced with the Programme de selection des travailleurs qualifies (PSTQ). For some sections of the PSTQ program, the minimum knowledge requirement were adjusted according to the level of qualifications required for the role. Workers aiming for management positions (or positions that typically require post-secondary training) are required to have level 7 (advanced intermediate) oral and level 5 written French, on a scale of 12.
Revisions were also made to existing programs, such as eliminating the work experience requirement and requirement to be employed from the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for graduate students who have completed a French-language study program. PEQ candidates will need to have taken three years of secondary or post-secondary courses in French to apply, and unless they study at French and English schools like McGill University, will be required to study at francophone institutions. To be selected for the PEQ, applicants must demonstrate minimum proficiency in spoken French at a level 7 and their accompanying spouse must have knowledge of oral French equivalent to Level 4 on the Quebec Scale of Proficiency in French for Adult Immigrants. When submitting an application, the applicant must complete a declaration on their knowledge of French, along with one or more of the following documents:
- Final transcript of full time secondary or post-secondary studies, pursued entirely in French;
- A regular license to practice from a professional order in Quebec or an attestation providing that they meet the language requirements of a professional order in Quebec;
- An attestation of successful completion of the French language exam;
- An attestation of French test results or diplomas that are accepted by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration, such as the Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCF-Québec) or the Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF-Canada).
The newly amended 2023 version of the QEP effectively limits the program to applicants with advanced knowledge of French who were enrolled in French-speaking institutions.
In terms of family reunification measures, it is now mandatory for sponsors to submit a reception and integration plan that supports the language learning of relatives aged 18-55.
Immigration is a shared responsibility between the federal and provincial governments; however, Quebec’s agreement grants it the unique authority to select all its economic immigrants. This power does not, however, allow Quebec to choose family class sponsorship applicants or individuals arriving in Canada as refugees or under other humanitarian classes.
The proposed changes do not apply to the temporary foreign worker program either. However, considering the rise of temporary foreign worker applications to 230,000 in 2023, the Quebec government developed a separate strategy to enhance language proficiency requirements for temporary foreign worker applicants as well. In addition to these changes, Quebec is contemplating an increase in the number of permanent selection admissions from 50,000 to 60,000 annually by 2027.
In fact, on July 20th, Quebec issued 1,633 Canadian immigration invitations to candidates with a French language speaking ability of level 7 or higher on the Quebec proficiency scale and who scored 596 points or above in the Quebec Expression of Interest points system.
Like the rest of Canada, Quebec is grappling with labor shortages due to its aging population and low birth rate. This underscores the significance of newcomers and immigrants in fulfilling the province’s labor demands, while contributing to the nation’s diversity and cultural enrichment.
If you have any questions regarding Canadian immigration programs, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
