Quebec Plans to Retain International Students in Montreal after Graduation

As per the recent announcement made by the Government of Quebec, the government has planned to invest $1.6 million in a program in order to encourage international students in Montreal to stay in the province once they complete their graduation.

An economic development organization, Montréal International will run the program named as “I Choose Montreal” directed towards universities, colleges and vocational students based in the Greater Montreal Area.

This initiative was developed in consultation with the Ministry of Immigration, Diversity, and Inclusion, or MIDI. It will involve various activities ranging from workshops with MIDI, activities involving students, job fairs etc.

Hopefully, this project will also provide a set up for other organizations across Quebec to execute similar initiatives emphasizing to retain international students after graduation.

To support this initiative, MIDI has made available two online resources for the international students in Quebec – Francisation en ligne and Service d’intégration en ligne for providing assistance to the individuals with French language and integration.

Additionally, a website has been launched recently targeted at the international students and temporary residents who wish to settle in Quebec for a long period of time.

During the announcement of the new project, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Kathleen Weil, said – this initiative is the proof that the Government of Quebec is determined to put its best efforts to make maximum young international students stay in Quebec, preferably in Greater Montreal.  Since, all these students already hold a Quebec degree, speak French language and are familiar with society as well as culture so it will be in the best interest of the country to make them stay in the state in order to help the economy grow.

It is a strategic move to encourage international students for the benefit of the society and raise the Québec’s international profile and strengthening its position in global research networks. This move will be consistent with the Quebec’s future international policy.

Permanent Residence in Quebec

All the international graduates from any of the Quebec institutions may apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate, after which they may apply to the federal government for permanent residence status.

A fast track programme namely Quebec Experience Class is also being offered to aim at individuals having work experience in Quebec, or a diploma from a Quebec post-secondary institution.

Under this program, eligible graduates may obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate within 20 days approximately