McGill and Concordia University say Quebec's new rules will drive international students out of the province by 2023

"A committee of the Quebec Legislative Assembly announced on Thursday that new immigration laws will require international students to have full proficiency in the French language. This change will have a direct impact on McGill University's ability to attract and retain the best talents in Quebec.

Fabrice Lavoie, Deputy Vice-Principal for Student Life and Learning at McGill University, spoke to the committee reviewing immigration policy reforms in the Quebec National Assembly. He believes that one of the "indirect consequences" of these changes to the law will discourage international students who do not have sufficient proficiency in French from applying for and eventually becoming part of the Quebec workforce.

This program provides a fast track for international students to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate, a step towards permanent residency in the province. According to the rules, international students can apply for this program just like recent graduates who obtained their degrees from a Quebec institution in the past two years.

In May, Christine Frechette, Quebec's Immigration Minister, introduced changes to the program's operation through a reform package. In an effort to increase French language proficiency among applicants, Frechette introduced a distinction between French and English language applicants.

International students who have studied in or are fluent in French will benefit from a fast-track processing system designed to keep them in the province. Instead of the 12-18 months of work experience currently required for Quebec Selection Certificate applications, they can apply as soon as they finish their studies.

However, international students who come to Quebec for studies in English and lack sufficient French language skills will no longer be eligible for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and its associated benefits.

Overall, these changes in Quebec's immigration laws, particularly for international students coming to the province to study in English without adequate French proficiency, may have diverse effects on various stakeholders and may require adaptation to the new laws and regulations."

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