What types of temporary residency exist in Canada?
The availability of English-language help in the application process depends largely on what kind of temporary resident you are applying to be.
The two main ways you can obtain temporary residency in Canada and settle in Quebec are by applying for: a temporary work permit (if you are a foreign worker); or a temporary study permit (if you are a foreign student).
As a foreign worker, you can apply for a temporary work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which has four pathways, or “streams” for:
The two main ways you can obtain temporary residency in Canada and settle in Quebec are by applying for: a temporary work permit (if you are a foreign worker); or a temporary study permit (if you are a foreign student).
As a foreign worker, you can apply for a temporary work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which has four pathways, or “streams” for:
High-wage positions (wage higher than the median hourly wage in Quebec);
Low-wage positions (wage lower than the median hourly wage in Quebec);
Agricultural workers; and
In-Home Caregivers.
Low-wage positions (wage lower than the median hourly wage in Quebec);
Agricultural workers; and
In-Home Caregivers.
Visit the website of the Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) for more information on how to obtain a temporary work permit.
As a foreign student, you can come study in Quebec with a temporary study permit if you:
Have been admitted to an educational institution in the province;
Can prove your ability to finance your education and other connected expenses;
Obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate from the MIFI; and
Obtain a temporary study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Can prove your ability to finance your education and other connected expenses;
Obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate from the MIFI; and
Obtain a temporary study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Visit the Quebec government website for more information on the conditions you need to meet to obtain a study permit.
What language challenges might I face to come work in Quebec as a foreign worker?
If you want to apply for a temporary work permit in Canada and settle in Quebec through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, you must first apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). This document permits you to work temporarily in Quebec, unless you do not need it because of certain conditions.
Much of the information on how to obtain the CAQ is available online in both English and French.
However, please be aware that the information presented on the English-language webpage about the CAQ application form is out-of-date. Consult the French-language webpage if possible.
Much of the information on how to obtain the CAQ is available online in both English and French.
However, please be aware that the information presented on the English-language webpage about the CAQ application form is out-of-date. Consult the French-language webpage if possible.
Fortunately, the English-language version and the French-language version of the CAQ application form are both up to date.
When completing the CAQ application form, do not forget to fill in and sign the section titled Autorisation donnée à l’employeur ("Authorization given to employer") on page 6.
Filling in this section allows your future employer to present your CAQ application form to the Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) on your behalf.
Visit the MIFI website for more information on the supporting documents you will need to send to your employer with your CAQ application form.
Visit the MIFI’s webpages for specific instructions on the steps to apply for a CAQ as a high-wage worker, low-wage worker, agricultural worker, or in-home caregiver.
For In-Home Caregivers applying for the CAQ, you will need to prove your language skills of either English or French.
You can show your language skills by sending your future employer proof of:
Your English- or French-language schooling through a photocopy or your secondary school diploma and corresponding transcript of grades; or
If you did not complete your secondary schooling in English or French, a photocopy of test results accepted by the MIFI (showing at least intermediate-level language skills).
If you did not complete your secondary schooling in English or French, a photocopy of test results accepted by the MIFI (showing at least intermediate-level language skills).
These tests include:
Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCF-Québec), France Éducation international;
Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF-Canada), France Éducation international;
Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ), Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris Île- de-France (CCIP-IDF);
Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada (TEF Canada), CCIP-IDF;
International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC).
Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF-Canada), France Éducation international;
Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ), Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris Île- de-France (CCIP-IDF);
Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada (TEF Canada), CCIP-IDF;
International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC).
Visit the MIFI’s webpage Supporting documents required – In-home Caregivers for more detailed information.
MIFI Decision on your Work Permit Application
If your CAQ application is rejected, you will receive a letter from MIFI explaining its reasons for that decision.
You may send evidence to convince the MIFI that it was wrong to reject your application.
Following your response to the rejection with evidence, the MIFI will review your application and may call you in for an interview.
Although the interview is conducted in French, you can request an translator, sometimes paid for by the MIFI depending on the specific details of your application.
You will then receive a final decision of acceptance or rejection.
Visit the MIFI website for more information on how to to Request a review if your CAQ application was rejected.
Visit the MIFI website for more information on how to to Request a review if your CAQ application was rejected.
Once you have been granted a CAQ, you must then apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As a federal institution, IRCC’s services and procedures are available to newcomers in both English and French.
Visit IRCC’s website to learn about the process and how to apply for a temporary work permit.
Only once you receive a temporary work permit from IRCC are you legally allowed to enter Canada to work.
What language challenges might I face to come study in Quebec as a foreign student?
Unless you are registered in a training program lasting six months or less, you must first apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (“CAQ”) if you want to obtain a temporary study permit in Canada and settle in Quebec. The CAQ permits you to study and receive an academic degree from a Quebec school or university.
Much of the information on how to obtain the CAQ is available online in both English and French.
Visit the Quebec government’s webpage on applying for a temporary study permit for a complete step-by-step guide.
Providing proof of your French- or English-language skills is not required to obtain a CAQ for a study permit.
Much of the information on how to obtain the CAQ is available online in both English and French.
Visit the Quebec government’s webpage on applying for a temporary study permit for a complete step-by-step guide.
Providing proof of your French- or English-language skills is not required to obtain a CAQ for a study permit.
The application portal for a study permit on the Minitry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) website is available in English.
However, the Arrima account portal, through which you will have to submit all supporting documents needed for your study permit application, is only available in French.
However, the Arrima account portal, through which you will have to submit all supporting documents needed for your study permit application, is only available in French.
MIFI Decision on your Study Permit Application
If your CAQ application is rejected, you will receive a letter from MIFI explaining its reasons for that decision.
You may send evidence to convince the MIFI that it was wrong to reject your application.
Following your response to the rejection with evidence, the MIFI will review your application and may call you in for an interview.
Although the interview is conducted in French, you can request an interpreter, sometimes paid for by the MIFI depending on the specific details of your application.
You will then receive a final decision of acceptance or rejection.
Visit the MIFI website for more information on how to request a review if your CAQ application was rejected.
Visit the MIFI website for more information on how to request a review if your CAQ application was rejected.
Once you have been granted a CAQ, you must then apply for a temporary study permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As a federal institution, IRCC’s services and procedures are available to newcomers in both English and French.
Visit IRCC’s website to learn about the process and how to apply for a study permit.
Only once you receive a temporary study permit from IRCC are you legally allowed to enter Canada to study.
