Quebec will now pay most immigrants to take French classes

The Quebec government has introduced improved options to help immigrants learn French. Under the expansion of the provincial French program for immigrants, any immigrant taking in-person classes in Quebec will now be eligible for financial compensation. For the first time, those living in Quebec on temporary status, including students, workers and their spouses, are now eligible for French classes and the related financial compensation.

Under the new guidelines for Quebec’s French-language training for immigrants, any person with immigrant status in Quebec will be eligible to register for a French course. Previously, only those who had arrived in the previous five years were eligible. For the first time, Quebec is offering financial compensation to those taking part-time French classes, whereas before only full-time students were eligible.

The Government of Quebec notes that immigrants in Quebec on temporary status as a worker or student must be sure that by taking French courses they do not violate the conditions of their work or study permit.

What types of French classes and financial compensation is Quebec offering for immigrants?

Quebec is offering four types of French classes for immigrants. To register for any of these courses, you can consult the official Quebec immigration website.

Full-time classes

Full-time French classes are offered in-person at the beginner and intermediate levels, for 25 or 30 hours per week. The financial compensation for these courses has been increased to CAD $185 per week. Previously immigrants were compensated $141 per week. Participants are also entitled to a transportation or commuting allowance and a child care allowance.

Part-time classes

Part-time French classes are offered in-person at the beginner and intermediate levels. Immigrants can register for courses at 12, 9, 6, or 4 hours per week. For the first time, immigrants participating in part-time classes will be eligible for financial assistance of $15 per day of training. Participants are also entitled to a child care allowance which has been increased from $7 to $9 per day of training, per child or dependent person.

Specialized occupation classes

Specialized French classes are available to those working in the following fields: health, nursing care, engineering and applied sciences, administration, law and business. Immigrants who are working in these fields may take part-time French classes for between 4 and 6 hours per week to learn French skills related to their working environment.

Immigrants enrolled in specialized occupation French courses are eligible for financial assistance of $15 per day of training, plus a child care allowance of $9 per day of training, per child or dependent person.

Online classes

Quebec offers online French classes that allow immigrants to learn French at their own pace. Depending on a person’s immigration status, these classes can be taken in Quebec or from another country. Certain immigrants will be eligible for online French courses with a tutor.

The changes to Quebec’s French training program for immigrants is one way of facilitating improved integration of newcomers into Quebec society and the labour market, which is one of the goals of the current Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) government.

By learning French, immigrants will be better prepared for Quebec employment. Additionally, French-language proficiency will help temporary residents to qualify for permanent immigration programs. French is a requirement for the popular Quebec Experience Class program (PEQ) and an asset (though not a requirement) for the Quebec Skilled Worker program (QSW).

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