Quebec announced they will no longer be issuing post-graduate work permits to international graduates from unsubsidized private colleges as of September 1st, 2023. The Quebec government is implementing these changes in response to a rise in unscrupulous practices from many private colleges in the province.
The number of international students coming to Canada continues to grow. In 2021, Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued close to 450,000 new study permits; this was the highest number of new permits IRCC has ever recorded issuing in a single year.
The Canadian Government increasingly views international students as a promising source of labour supply. For this reason, Canada offers numerous initiatives to retain international students permanently. Many provinces also offer incentives to recruit international students in hopes that they will settle permanently after graduation.
The ease at which international graduates can immigrate permanently to Canada has led to a rise in exploitation in the private school sector. This has particularly become an issue in the province of Quebec. Over the last couple of years, many Quebec private schools have come under scrutiny for taking advantage of international students.
Several private colleges in Quebec have been accused of gouging tuition fees and being more concerned with profit than providing quality education. A 2021 report by Quebec’s Ministry of Higher Education uncovered failings around recruitment, management, and teaching conditions.
Quebec is implementing these new measures with the goal of protecting the integrity of the international student program. The changes will also work to protect the students impacted by the shortcomings of these private colleges.
These new measures will only allow specific programs in private colleges to be eligible for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP).
IRCC’s webpage to verify if a school is registered as a Designated Learning Institute has already been updated with a list of programs that are eligible for a PGWP after September 1st, 2023.
This update only applies to Quebec. However, other provinces have already had similar measures implemented for many years.
Were you affected by Quebec’s recent changes? Contact us to learn more about your options to stay in Canada!
Contact usExpress Entry Draw
Express Entry draw #353 marks the second time in a row where a total of 3,000 candidates were invited under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) […]
Canada Work Permit | Family Sponsorship
As of June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the current list of eligible fields of study for students applying for a […]
Express Entry Draw | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
In Express Entry Draw #352, 503 candidates were invited under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of […]
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Starting July 2, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is launching a new online Employer Portal, replacing the old paper-based system. This change affects […]
Express Entry Draw
Express Entry draw #351 marks the fifth Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of 2025 where a total of 3,000 candidates were invited with a comprehensive […]
Express Entry Draw | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
In Express Entry Draw #350, 125 candidates were invited under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of […]
Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!