Quebec Proposes New Legislation to Control International Student Admissions

International students are again in the spotlight because of their high numbers, but this time at the provincial level. Quebec’s Immigration Minister, Jean-Francois Roberge, has tabled Bill 74, titled “An Act Mainly to Improve the Regulatory Scheme Governing International Students.” It amends Quebec’s immigration law to restrict the entry of international students.

Statistics Canada suggests that as of September 30, 2023, Quebec had 588,000 non-permanent residents, including nearly 124,000 study permit holders—80 percent of whom enroll at post-secondary institutions, according to Roberge. The minister said 120,000 was “too much” during a news conference in Quebec City on October 10, 2024.

However, Quebec’s concern over rising international students is not new. The Canadian government announced in January 2024 that it was capping international student numbers by 35 percent, a policy echoed by Quebec’s recent move.

Article summary

• Quebec’s Bill 74 proposes capping international student admissions to address housing shortages and protect the French language, with a focus on reducing non-francophone students.
• As of September 2023, Quebec had 588,000 non-permanent residents, including 124,000 study permit holders, which the government considers too high.
• Educational institutions, such as McGill and Concordia, argue the cap would harm their financial stability, research, and competitiveness in the global education market.
• Critics say the bill would not effectively solve housing issues and could reduce Quebec’s skilled immigrant pool, exacerbating labour shortages in key sectors like healthcare.
• International students express concerns about limited post-graduation opportunities and the potential impact on their ability to obtain work permits or permanent residency in Quebec.

The rationale behind the decision

The minister’s announcement followed a report that some private colleges mainly served as channels to get citizenship. But that is not the only reason.

The Quebec government’s rationale for proposing the cap includes concerns over housing shortages, especially in urban centers, especially in Montreal.

Quebec university administrators, professors, and students rejected the federal housing minister’s suggestion that Canada cap international study permits it issues to ease the country’s housing shortage.

They say that limiting the number of international students will do little to address the housing crunch. Instead, it would hurt university research and deprive Quebec of skilled immigrants.

 “The government must promote and ensure the vitality of the French language, of course, and to do everything in its power to reverse the decline that we know now,” Roberge said.

The government aims to maintain the linguistic balance in the province by prioritizing international students who are fluent in French. However, critics say this could make Quebec less attractive to non-francophone students, leading to a demographic shift and reducing cultural diversity.

Educational institutions react

Concordia University, Université de Montreal, and McGill University released statements on the planned change. McGill’s statement said, in part, “International students help strengthen Quebec’s competitive position in the knowledge economy. They provide highly skilled talent for the workforce and help attract business to Quebec. During their studies, they also significantly contribute to the local economy.”

Roberge told City News, “I don’t think it’s the end of the world right now on those universities.” The minister said he was open to discussing how best to address the issue.

While the bill has raised concerns among universities and students, the provincial government insists that it will not unfairly target any specific institutions, including English-language schools. However, reduced enrollment in international students may affect Quebec’s universities and colleges. Colleges and universities often use student fees to cover operational costs, improve facilities, and support academic and research programs. For some institutions, international student fees comprise a significant portion of their overall budget.

Reaction From Stakeholders

University administrators, education advocacy groups, and student associations are concerned that Bill 74 will affect Quebec’s institutions’ global competitiveness and diversity.

Many Quebec universities and colleges, particularly English-speaking ones, argue that international students are a critical revenue source and that limiting their numbers could harm their financial stability. Furthermore, universities like Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières have pointed out that international students often enroll in fields facing significant labour shortages, such as healthcare and construction.

Educational businesses, such as private colleges and student accommodation providers, are concerned that their revenues could significantly decline. For some language schools and private institutions, international students make up most of their enrollments and may have to downsize, cut programs, or close.

International Student Perspectives

International students also express uncertainty about their post-graduation prospects and worry about their ability to secure work permits or permanent residency. For those who planned to settle in Quebec after their studies, these changes could alter their career trajectories, pushing them to look for opportunities elsewhere in Canada. Students from key countries like India, China, and France may choose somewhere other than Quebec as a study destination.

Some students feel the bill sends a message of exclusion, especially to non-francophones, making Quebec a less welcoming place and hurting the province’s reputation as a global educational hub.

Broader Implications for Quebec’s Future

If passed, the bill will long-term affect Quebec’s economy, immigration strategy, and labour market, especially in industries reliant on international talent.

Quebec offers many international students a pathway to permanent residency in Canada. The bill’s restrictions could reduce Quebec’s share of skilled immigrants, making it more difficult for the province to meet its immigration targets, which are crucial for addressing its aging population and labour needs.

The bill’s long-term effects may include exacerbating labour shortages, particularly in fields where international students often work post-graduation, such as healthcare and construction. Losing skilled immigrants could challenge Quebec’s labour, economic goals and immigration strategy.

FAQ on Quebec’s Bill 74: International Student Admissions