Major updates affecting foreign workers, employers, international students, and business immigration applicants
On November 20, 2025, Québec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) published several important amendments to Québec’s immigration regulation (RIQ) in the Gazette officielle du Québec.
These changes significantly affect almost every immigration category, including temporary foreign workers, Québec employers, international students, and applicants under business immigration programs.
The new rules will take effect gradually starting December 17, 2025, with certain measures implemented only after 2028.
Below is a detailed summary of the key updates.
1. French-language Requirement for Temporary Foreign Workers
French Level 4 required for CAQ renewal after 3 years in Québec
Workers who have accumulated 3 or more years of residence in Québec and are renewing their CAQ for a work permit will be required to demonstrate:
- French oral level 4 or higher (Échelle québécoise)
- Applies starting December 17, 2028
Exemptions
- Agricultural workers
- Certain employees of foreign government offices and designated international organizations
Although the regulation officially takes effect on December 17, 2025, the government has introduced a three-year transition period for current workers.
Therefore, French-language verification for work-related CAQs will only begin for applications submitted on or after December 17, 2028.
2. Strengthened Employer Francization Requirements (OQLF)
Starting December 17, 2025 :
- Employers with 25 or more employees must prove compliance with OQLF francization requirements when applying for:
- LMIA (Québec portion)
- PSTQ validated job offers
This means that employers who do not maintain an adequate French-language working environment may face restrictions in hiring temporary foreign workers.
3. Minimum Financial Requirements for International Students Increased to CAD 24,617
Effective January 1, 2026
The minimum living expense requirement will increase to CAD 24,617 per year, significantly higher than the previous approximate requirement.
To obtain a CAQ for studies, students must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity, which includes:
- One year of tuition, plus
- Minimum one year of living expenses
For example:
- Tuition: ~CAD 20,000
- Living expenses (new minimum): CAD 24,617
- Recommended minimum proof: at least CAD 45,000
Because the new minimum reflects only the basic threshold, students should ideally demonstrate more than the minimum amount, taking into account tuition fluctuations and realistic living costs.
This increase aims to reduce the number of financially vulnerable international students arriving in Québec.
4. Stricter Education Requirements for Business Immigration Applicants
Effective December 17, 2025
All three business immigration streams (Investors, Entrepreneurs, and Self-Employed Workers) will require at least:
- High school diploma (DES), or
- DEP, ASP, or AEC
Positive change: Owner-Operators can transition to PR
Applicants who have started or acquired a business in Québec and hold a work permit as an owner-operator will now be eligible to submit a permanent selection application under the Québec Entrepreneur Program (minimum French requirement: Level 7).
Important for business immigration candidates
Regardless of the category, French Level 7 is mandatory.
Principal applicants must demonstrate strong French ability to be assessed as capable of successfully integrating into Québec’s economic and social environment.
➡ Without French, business immigration to Québec is not realistically possible.
For more details:
https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/immigrate-business/entrepreneurs
5. Other Significant Changes
- Prohibition on hiring minor workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- Clearer rules for employment contracts; major changes must be reported to MIFI within 30 days
- Stronger protections for unaccompanied minor international students
- Modified selection conditions for temporary foreign workers in regulated professions (e.g., lawyers, physicians, nurses, engineers)
What These Amendments Mean for You
These amendments clearly reflect Québec’s long-term policy direction:
- Strengthening French-language requirements
- Increasing employer accountability
- Raising financial thresholds for international students
- Reinforcing quality and standards in business immigration
If you plan to stay in Québec long-term or pursue permanent residence,
French is now an essential, non-negotiable requirement.
We will continue to monitor policy developments closely and share further updates as soon as they are released. If you would like an assessment of your study, work, or immigration options in Canada, feel free to request a consultation anytime.
Stay tuned for more updates here in our blog section.
— Kate Min Kwon, RCIC & RQIC
