published on 25 November 2025 @ 11:13 am · COMMENT
Québec to implement French proficiency requirement for foreign workers and extends regional LMIA suspensions
The Government of Québec has announced major updates to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) as part of its recently tabled 2026–2029 Immigration Plan. These measures reflect an increased emphasis on the linguistic integration of foreign workers and prioritize the recruitment of individuals already established in Québec.
Starting December 17, 2025, foreign workers applying for a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) who have accumulated three years of work experience in Québec will be required to demonstrate level 4 spoken French proficiency. This requirement underscores the government’s commitment ensuring the French language continues to be a key pillar of the province’s cultural and social identity. A three-year transition period will be in place until December 17, 2028, allowing current temporary foreign workers time to attain the required level of French. Certain groups, including agricultural workers, will be exempt from this requirement.
Québec has also extended the suspension of the acceptance of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for positions located in the Montréal and Laval regions for another year, until December 31, 2026. This applies to applications submitted under the facilitated process, and to renewals for foreign workers already working in Quebec. The intent of this policy is to encourage employers in these regions to prioritize recruitment of individuals already residing in Québec, particularly in the context of a slowing economy.
These changes are indicative of the province’s continued shift toward regionally tailored and linguistically integrated temporary immigration. Employers relying on foreign labour in Québec should review their workforce planning strategies and timelines now to ensure they will be able to comply with these new measures in the coming year.
filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE