Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion struggle to meet Quebec’s French proficiency requirement for permanent residency. Despite taking government-offered francization courses, they find achieving the required proficiency level challenging. The short timeline of their three-year work permits also makes it hard to gain the necessary two years of specialized work experience. The Quebec Immigration Ministry has no plans to change these requirements. Michael Schwec, President of the Quebec chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, urges flexibility for these Ukrainians, many of whom are women with husbands still in Ukraine. Despite the challenges, they are determined to learn French and secure jobs to attain permanent residency. Quebec’s unique immigration requirements, however, add stress to the process.
