Quebec Schools Seek Exemption From Foreign Student Cap, Minister Unyielding

November 5, 2024 TruthUSA

Quebec universities and public colleges argue that they should be exempt from the government’s plan to reduce the number of international students in the province. However, Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge believes it’s unlikely that they will be exempt.

The schools claim that a bill introduced last month would negatively impact their ability to attract top talent from around the globe.

Roberge insists that it’s not feasible for the government to lower the number of foreign students in Quebec without including universities and public colleges in the plan.

The proposed bill would grant the government new authority to limit the enrollment of foreign students in Quebec schools based on region, institution, and program of study.

Roberge has stated that the bill is essential to prevent schools from engaging in the sale of Canadian citizenship, but universities and public colleges argue that they are not the source of the issue.

Currently, there are approximately 124,000 foreign students in Quebec, representing a 140 percent increase over the past decade.