Canada: Quebec Immigration Reforms Implemented with Stricter French Language Requirements and Transition to Online Applications, Among Other Changes

Change

Details

Impact

Stricter French proficiency requirements for certain permanent residence candidates with Validated Job Offers

• Foreign nationals seeking to submit a job offer that has been validated outside the Montreal metropolitan area in support of their declaration of interest for permanent residence application in Quebec must now demonstrate spoken proficiency in French at a level 7 or higher (on the Quebec scale of French proficiency). Previously, workers outside this area were not required to demonstrate in such cases.
• Furthermore, employers sponsoring foreign nationals for permanent residence in Quebec must commit to supporting the foreign national’s efforts to become more proficient in French. Further details on this requirement are expected to be forthcoming.

The stricter requirements will make it more difficult for foreign nationals who work inside the province of Quebec, including the employees working outside the Montreal metropolitan area, particularly non-French speaking foreign nationals, to qualify for permanent residence to settle in Quebec.

Stricter French proficiency requirements, and relaxed measures for French-speaking applicants, under the Quebec Experience Program –Graduate Stream

• • • Students who graduate from universities in Quebec can apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC), which allows them to apply for permanent residence in Canada, as soon as they complete their studies. They no longer need to demonstrate work experience or employment in Quebec, as was previously required.
    • However, effective November 23, 2024, to qualify for a QSC under the Quebec Experience Program-Graduate Stream, applicants must demonstrate that they completed their studies in Quebec in French or that they completed at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary education in French. Currently, applicants only have to demonstrate they graduated from an institution in Quebec, regardless of whether the studies were in French or another language.

• Graduates from non-French institutions in Quebec may no longer qualify for permanent residence under the Graduate Stream.
• On the other hand, those who complete their studies in French will be able to qualify for permanent residence in Canada sooner.

Stricter French proficiency requirements under the new Permanent Residence Skilled Worker Selection Program

• Effective November 29, 2024, a new Permanent Residence Skilled Worker Selection Program will replace the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, with stricter French-language requirements.
• The selection grid under the Permanent Residence Skilled Worker Selection Program will aim to select skilled workers based on their level of competence, field of activity, regulated profession or exceptional talent.
• Currently, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program is the only permanent residence program in Quebec that does not require the applicant to speak French.

As a result of this change, all of Quebec's economic immigration programs will require proficiency in French as of November 29, 2024.

Transition to Online Applications for Quebec Acceptance Certificates and Validated Job Offers

• Starting January 22, 2024, the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration will only accept Quebec Acceptance Certificates and Validated Job Offer applications from employers submitted on the Ministry’s ARRIMA online platform.
• The paper application process for these applications will not be available starting January 22, with certain limited exceptions such as employers in the agriculture industry and home care providers.
• Furthermore, Quebec Acceptance Certificates for foreign nationals will be issued electronically, instead of the current paper form.

• The new online process is expected to streamline the immigration process for employers and foreign nationals seeking to work in Quebec under both permanent and temporary foreign worker programs.
• To use the system, employers must create an online account. Those without an existing online account should ensure they create an account ahead of January 22 so they can submit these applications.