


Under the Charter of the French language, children in the following three situations are eligible :
A certificate of eligibility is generally issued to children :
In the first two cases, the father or mother of the child must be a Canadian citizen. In the third case, the parent who studied in Canada must be a Canadian citizen.
These are the most common situations that allow a child to receive instruction in English.
A declaration of eligibility for instruction in English issued under sections 73, 76 or 86.1 of the Charter of the French language is permanent; in other words, it does not expire.
In addition, even if they do all their studies in French, children declared eligible to receive instruction in English under section 73, 76 or 86.1 are deemed to have received instruction in English and therefore may pass this right down to their children.
Lastly, when a child is declared eligible to receive instruction in English, his or her brothers and sisters may also be declared eligible.
Children who may receive temporary authorization to receive their instruction in English fall into three categories :
First, the dependent children of persons living in Québec temporarily to study or work, including:
Second, the dependent children of persons who are not Canadian citizens and who are posted in Québec temporarily as representatives or officers of a country other than Canada or of an international organization.
Last, the dependent children of members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are posted in Québec temporarily.
When a child is granted a temporary authorization to receive instruction in English, this is valid for the period of validity of the immigration document issued to the parent or child, or for the duration of their temporary stay, as stated in a sworn declaration. This stay can be for a maximum of three (3) years and expires on June 30 of the school year in which the temporary stay of the parent or child ends.
A temporary authorization to receive instruction in English may be renewed provided that the applicant still meets the same criteria as in his or her first application.
However, temporary authorization cannot be granted to the children of foreign nationals who are claiming refugee status for themselves or their children, or of foreign nationals who choose to settle in Québec on a permanent basis and obtain a Québec selection certificate. If an authorization has already been granted, it expires on June 30 of the school year in which the selection certificate is issued.
This page in French only
This section is in French only.
For more information, please refer to the Ministère's linguistic policy.