Frequently asked questions
French Language Services
-
Why won’t you serve me in English?
As of June 1, 2023, the Charter of the French Language requires that the government and all public bodies, including the Commission, provide their services in French only. Only certain individuals have the right to receive our services in another language.
To find out who we can serve in another language, see Am I eligible to receive your services in a language other than French?
-
Am I eligible to receive your services in a language other than French?
We will communicate with you in French unless your situation meets one of the exceptions outlined in the Charter of the French Language.
- We were already communicating in English about your file before May 13, 2021
- You are Indigenous (First Nations or Inuit)
- You have a Certificate of eligibility for instruction in English from the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec
- You are an immigrant (regardless of status) who arrived in Québec within the last six months
For more details, see: Québec.ca/languedeservice
-
What documentation do I need to provide to receive services in a language other than French?
None. We trust your declaration. If you belong to one of the following groups, we’ll ask you to confirm your eligibility in good faith.
- Indigenous people (First Nations or Inuit)
- People with a Certificate of eligibility for instruction in English from the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec
- Recent immigrants (regardless of status) who arrived in Québec within the last six months
-
People who were communicating with us in English before May 13, 2021
Can you serve me in English if I was communicating with you in English about my file before May 13, 2021?
Yes.
Do I have to prove that we were communicating in English about my file before May 13, 2021?
No. If we were communicating with you in English for your file before that date, this will be in our records.
Can you serve me in English if I contacted you in English for information before May 13, 2021?
No. If you contacted the Commission for information but we did not open a file, we will communicate with you in French only.
-
First Nations people and Inuit
Can you serve me in English if I am Inuit or a member of a First Nation?
Yes. The Charter of the French Language contains an exception for Indigenous peoples.
Do I have to prove that I am Inuit or a member of a First Nation to receive your services in English?
No. We trust your declaration. We will ask you to confirm your identity in good faith.
-
Immigrants
Can you serve me in a language other than French if I am an immigrant?
Yes, but only if you have been in Québec for less than six months.
This is the case whether you are here as an immigrant, a temporary resident, or a permanent resident.
How is the six-month period calculated?
The six-month period begins on the date when you first arrived in Québec as an immigrant or a temporary or permanent resident.
It does not begin on the date of issue or the date of validity of your Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) or your Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Do I have to prove the date of my arrival in Québec?
No. We trust your declaration. We will ask you to confirm in good faith that you are an immigrant and that you first arrived in Québec less than six months ago.
Can you serve me in a language other than French if I am waiting for refugee status?
Yes, if you first arrived in Québec less than six months ago.
-
Questions from people who can receive instruction in English
Can you serve me in English?
Yes, if:
- you have been issued a Certificate of eligibility for instruction in English by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec; or
- you attended elementary or secondary school in English.
No, if:
- you attended CEGEP in English (but not elementary or secondary school); or
- your parents were in Québec temporarily when you attended elementary or secondary school in English.
How can I check if I am eligible to receive instruction in English?
If you are eligible, you should have received a Certificate of eligibility for instruction in English from the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec.
If you attended elementary or secondary school in English and did not receive this certificate, contact the Ministère de l’Éducation.
For more information, see: www.education.gouv.qc.ca/en/contenus-communs/parents-and-guardians/instruction-in-english