Quebec Seeks to Retain International Students in Montreal after Graduation

The Quebec government has announced it will invest $1.6 million in a program to encourage international students in Montreal to remain in the province after graduation. ‘I Choose Montreal’ will be run by economic development organization Montréal International, and will be directed towards university, college, and vocational students in the Greater Montreal area.

The new initiative shows that the Government of Québec is determined to step up its efforts to get as many young international students as possible to stay in Québec, particularly in Greater Montréal.  International graduates from Quebec institutions may apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de séléction du Québec, or CSQ), with which they may then apply to the federal government for permanent residence status. The province offers a fast-track Quebec Experience Class (Programme d’expérience québécoise, or PEQ) aimed at individuals with work experience in Quebec, or a diploma from a Quebec post-secondary institution. Through this program, eligible graduates may obtain a CSQ very fast maybe  20 or 30 days.