News Room

Quebec offers free French-speaking classes to all newcomers with temporary status

Aug 21, 2019

If you are looking to improve your French-speaking skills, the government of Quebec offers courses to help immigrants learn the language.
The best part? As of July 2019, the courses offered are now free of charge to those living in Quebec with a temporary immigration status.

Who is eligible?

Before July 1st 2019, only those who lived in Quebec for less than five years were eligible to participate in free French language courses. Now, the government of Quebec has made the courses free to anyone with a temporary status. This includes temporary workers, foreign students, and their accompanying spouses. In addition, financial compensation is being offered to those who partake

It is important to note that those who currently hold a work or study permit should review the conditions of their status before registering for a full-time French course.

What classes are offered?
Full-time
Full-time courses are offered at the beginner and intermediate stages for 25 to 30 hours per week, with an eligible weekly compensation of $185, plus transportation or commuting and childcare allowances.
Part-time
Part-time courses are offered at the beginner and intermediate stages for 4, 6, 9, or 12 hours per week, with a financial compensation of $15 per day of training, as well as a $9 child care allowance.
Specialized by field of employment
4 to 6 weekly, intermediate and advanced courses are offered to those who work in health, nursing care, engineering and applied sciences, administration, law or business. Financial compensation of $15 per day of training, as well as child care allowances, are also available.
Online French classes
Intermediate and advanced online courses allow participants to learn the language at their own pace, either by self-instruction or with the help of tutors. Specialized modules are available, depending on the field of employment.
Improving your French-language skills can be a major benefit, for anyone interested in working and living in Canada, a country with two official languages. Although the past few months have seen uncertainty in Quebec immigration, the province has recently announced its first rounds of invitations through Arrima with more hopefully arriving in the coming weeks.

The government of Canada is continuing to recognize the need for immigrant support when on arrival In 2018, $1 billion was allotted to newcomer services including help with securing housing, jobs, schools for children, and registering for language classes.