Canada's French-speaking province Quebec has denied residency to a French student because one chapter of her thesis at a French-language university was in English.

Emilie Dubois, 31, moved to Canada from France in 2012 and completed her doctorate in biology at Universite Laval in 2018.

As part of her PhD, she wrote a thesis on cellular and molecular biology in which one of the five chapters was in English, because it was based on an English article published in a scientific journal, a common practice at the university.

Emilie Dubois, 31, has been denied residency in Quebec because part of her French-language dissertation was in English

The rest of her course, including seminars and lectures, was all conducted in French.

But Quebecois authorities said her thesis proved the French citizen, who started her own business after graduating, was unable to demonstrate adequate French-language proficiency.

She said: 'It's like an avalanche is falling on my head and I don't know why.'

In a letter sent to Dubois earlier this year, the Immigration Ministry said she had not demonstrated the level of French required to receive a Quebec selection certificate, which is the first step toward permanent residency.

Emilie Dubois, 31, moved to Canada from France in 2012 and completed her doctorate in biology at Universite Laval (pictured) in 2018

The letter said, according to Radio Canada: 'You did not complete program of study in Quebec entirely in French, including the dissertation or thesis.'

She was first informed of the problem in December 2018 and soon after she took a recognised French test, which cost her $200, and sent the results to the government.

But this did not help her case and she then received the letter stating she would be denied immigrant status.

She said: 'My whole life is here. You can't tell me that I cannot prove that I can speak French and then tell me that I have to return to France!'

One of the five chapters of her thesis was in English, because it was based on an English article published in a scientific journal

Dubois remains hopeful her case will be overturned, particularly after it was taken on by local provincial assembly member, Catherine Dorion.

Quebec's immigration minister said yesterday that the decision 'doesn't seem to make much sense' and asked officials to look into it.

The province has a unique immigration arrangement with Canada's federal government, giving it wider powers.

A potential immigrant must obtain a 'selection certificate' from Quebec before they can apply for permanent residence with the federal government.