Studying in Canada Is a Pathway to Permanent Residence

A new batch of international students are preparing themselves for starting a new life at a Canadian university and for the commencement of the fall semester. This also means that many prospective international students are contemplating and planning their enrollments at Canadian universities for 2017. Canada offers quality and affordable education in cities that are safe and there are employment options for students during and after studying.

Studying in Canada is a pathway for international students to gain permanent residence in Canada. Studying in Canada is one of the best decisions for young people around the world. The city of Quebec welcomes around 45 000 immigrants a year and the number is progressively rising.

Why Quebec

The city of Quebec is a culturally, linguistically and historically unique province in Canada. The majority of the population is French-speaking but not all colleges require students to speak French so don’t worry. Some of the most renowned institutions in Quebec are predominantly English in character. The province also offers study options for international students in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.


McGill University, Laval, Bishops, L’Universite de Montreal, Concordia and the polytechnic colleges are all located in Quebec. The city of Montreal, which is Quebec’s metropolis, is home to 4 sizeable universities. It has the highest percentage of students in its population of any major North American city, except for Boston.

Quebec is also home to one of the most affordable education systems in North America. Quebec offers international students a number of generous student aid programs. Students looking for English, French or bilingual education are in luck because Quebec offers study programs in both official languages. Something that one must take note of is that Quebec’s immigration and education programs are a little different to the rest of Canada. Applying for your Student Visa early coupled by choosing the right institution that is best suited to your needs and goals will save you time, money and cause less stress. So once again, we encourage you to be prepared.

Now, You Can Build Your Career In Canada While You Study

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that there will be a temporary lift in the current work hour restrictions placed on international students in Canada. As it stands, international students that are authorized to work off campus are currently allowed to do so for less than 20 hours per week, this number will now grow to 40 hours per week.

After graduation: Post-Graduation Work Permit

Any international student should take advantage of a post-graduation work permits because not many countries offer international students this opportunity. The permit may be issued upon completion of the study program and it is valid for the duration of the study program. It is valid for up to a maximum of 3 years. So if you studied for 2 years, you receive a work permit for 2 years, if you studied for 4 years then you qualify for a 3-year work permit. Students must be 18 years or over and be in possession of a valid study permit when applying.

Quebec Experience Class (PEQ)

A PEQ is a student-orientated pathway for international students to gain permanent residence in Canada. The program is dedicated to providing international students in Quebec the opportunity to build their lives and careers in Quebec.

Here are a few examples of courses that will allow international students to qualify for a PEQ:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (university undergraduate)
  • Master’s Degree (and MBA’s)
  • Doctorate Degree
  • DEC-Diploma of college studies, technical training
  • DEP – Diploma Of Vocational Studies, lasting 1,800 hours of study
  • A DEP – Diploma Of Vocational Studies, followed by an ASP comprising a minimum of 1 800 hours of training and leading to a particular trade
Students line up on a football pitch at University of Montreal

Provinces like Quebec want international students to study in their province, live there, work there and enjoy the quality of life that so many Canadians enjoy every day. It is an opportunity that so few countries offer and it should be taken advantage of.