Quebec's New French Requirements for Foreign Workers – What to Know
It can feel as though regulatory changes in Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program never slow down. And in 2026, there’s already a new update Canadian employers need to be aware of!
If you employ foreign workers in Quebec, new French language requirements came into effect on December 17, 2025.
But before you panic, here's what you actually need to know about the change, and why agricultural employers can breathe a little easier.
What Changed?
Near the end of last year, Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) introduced new rules requiring certain temporary foreign workers to demonstrate oral proficiency in French when renewing their work permits.
Specifically, the rules state that workers must show they've achieved Level 4 on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français – Quebec's official French proficiency scale.
Now, it’s important to note that Level 4 doesn’t require absolute proficiency.
Rather, this level represents basic functional oral skills. This includes the ability to understand safety instructions, communicate basic workplace needs, and exercise their rights as workers.
So, while it's not fluency, these new updates do require preparation.
Who Do The New Rules Affect?
The new French requirement applies to temporary foreign workers in Quebec who meet all of the following criteria:
They're under the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Their work permit requires a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
They've accumulated at least three years of work in Quebec
They're applying to renew their CAQ
For many employers, this is good news, as the new rules don’t affect new arrivals to the country. Instead, it targets workers who have been in Quebec long enough that the government expects them to have developed basic French skills.
Good News for Agricultural Employers
Do you operate a greenhouse, farm, or other agricultural business that depends on hardworking foreign employees?
Here's the critical detail: agricultural workers are specifically exempt from this French language requirement.
This exemption recognizes the unique nature of agricultural work and the seasonal patterns that define the industry. Your foreign workers can continue renewing their permits without meeting the Level 4 French requirement.
However, don't allow this exemption to lull your company into complacency. As we’ve seen over the past few years, regulations can evolve quickly, and staying informed is essential to maintaining a compliant operation.
What is the Transition Timeline?
Quebec has built in a transition period to give workers time to prepare. While the regulation officially came into force on December 17, 2025, true verification of French proficiency won't begin until December 17, 2028.
This creates a three-year window designed to allow workers already in Quebec to access francisation services and develop the required language skills before enforcement begins.
This means employers have time to begin researching and investing in services their foreign workers may need. Many are already encouraging their long-term workers to take advantage of free French learning resources.
What About Employers with 25+ Employees?
There's another layer to these new language proficiency changes: companies employing 25 or more people must now demonstrate compliance with Quebec's francisation process under the Charter of the French Language to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This means holding a francisation certificate from the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) or registration documentation showing you're enrolled in their program. Once again, agricultural businesses are also exempt from this particular requirement.
However, other industries that rely on foreign workers should take note and begin preparing now. Non-compliance could result in LMIA refusals, which directly affect your ability to hire and retain foreign workers.
Knowing These Updates Matters Beyond Compliance
As you look into the recent updates to the language requirements, these regulatory changes are part of a broader trend: governments are paying closer attention to temporary foreign worker programs.
For Canadian companies, this means that compliance is getting more complex with each passing year.
Whether it's language requirements, housing standards, or health insurance mandates, you need to know what’s already changed, what may change in the years ahead, and how your company can begin to take steps to stay compliant.
Employers who stay ahead of these changes – and partner with experts who understand the full picture – position themselves to attract and retain quality workers without costly disruptions.
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Staying ahead of Quebec's foreign worker requirements takes more than reading a blog post – though educating yourself is a start!
Leaders and hiring teams need to gain a clear picture of how these rules interact with your specific operation, particularly when it comes to your workforce composition and coverage obligations.
At People Corporation, we work with employers across Canada who are managing the complexities of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
We can work with you to ensure your foreign workers have comprehensive health coverage from day one, as well as keep you updated on any and all compliance changes as they are announced.
Have questions about how these changes affect your business? Contact us today to speak with one of our FWCHP ambassadors. We'll help you understand your requirements and ensure you and your workers stay protected.
Looking to provide your foreign workers with the necessary healthcare coverage?
Click through the video below to learn about the FWCHP.
