How children of foreign workers can get into English schools in Quebec and how to get an exception for medical reasons
In the province of Quebec, the official language is French. Therefore, as a general rule, all children are required to study in French schools.
But there are special conditions for foreign workers:
Temporary Certificate of Eligibility for English Schooling
Foreign workers temporarily working in Quebec under a valid Work Permit can apply for their child to study in an English school instead of a French one.
How to do this?
- The application must be submitted to the local English School Board.
- The certificate is issued only once and cannot be extended.
- The maximum validity period of the certificate is 3 years.
- The validity period of the certificate directly depends on the validity period of the parent's Work Permit.
If a parent stays to work in Quebec for more than 3 years, the child is required by law to transfer to a French school, even if he or she has never studied in French.
How to stay in an English school after 3 years or without a Temporary Certificate
This is where a medical or psychological exception comes into play.
If a child has proven difficulties learning French (cognitive, speech, psychological), as well as post-traumatic stress disorder that prevents him or her from switching to education in another language, he or she can receive an exception and continue studying in an English school.
To do this, parents must provide the Quebec Ministry of Education with one of the following documents:
- Rapport d’évaluation orthophonique — speech therapy report
- Rapport d’évaluation psychologique — psychological report
- Rapport d’évaluation neuropsychologique — neuropsychological report
They are issued, respectively by:
- Orthophoniste (speech therapist)
- Psychologue (psychologist)
- Neuropsychologue (neuropsychologist)
The report must clearly indicate that:
- the child has serious and confirmed difficulties in mastering the French language;
- continuing education in French may harm his or her education or psycho-emotional state;
- it is recommended to continue or start education in English.
If you plan to stay in Quebec for a long time, think about collecting the necessary medical documents in advance.
Temporary Certificate is a temporary solution while medical exception is a long-term option.
It is crucial to consult with your English School Board and find out all the details of the process beforehand.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada
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