Students in Quebec may be required to speak French even if their program is in English.

Did you know that, in order to graduate from some colleges in Quebec, international students studying in English may need a specific level of French? This is because some academic institutions are requesting it at the end of their classes in order to be able to give you your grades or the completion of your studies.

In this blog, I will tell you the impacts of not having the required level of French to graduate and how it can affect the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application if you wish to transition to permanent residency in Canada. Let's get started!

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What is the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

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The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an immigration document that allows you to work legally in Canada full-time for up to three years after completing your studies, gain Canadian work experience and apply for programs such as PSTQ or Express Entry for permanent residence. 

French proficiency is one of the key factors in Canada to improve your profile both in terms of employment in Quebec and immigration status.

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What happens to the PGWP if you don't get your grades on time?

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If you are unable to obtain your grades or diploma because you lack the level of French required by your college, you will not be able to apply for your PGWP. Please note the following:

• Your international student status expires 90 days after graduation or on the expiration date of your study permit, whichever occurs first.
• If you do not apply for the PGWP within 180 days after graduation, you lose the opportunity to be eligible for this permit.

Not having your grades on time can jeopardize your future in Canada. This is where planning becomes your best ally to avoid problems with your status.

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How to avoid problems with your status after graduation?

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• You should check with your academic institution whether or not a level of French is required for graduation. If so, check what specific level is required by the school. 
• Once you have identified your level of French, start preparing for language improvement or for certification to prove your proficiency.
• Evaluate options for specialized French classes with an immigration focus for Canada. 

We recommend that you do this as soon as possible, as it prevents your immigration documents from expiring while you improve your French and prepare for certification.

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Recommendations to ensure your study and immigration process in Québec

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For a smooth completion of your studies and transition to permanent residency, we recommend:

• Verify language requirements with your college. Confirm with the institution if French is a requirement for graduation and what level is required.
• Improve your language skills. In Quebec, French is necessary to integrate into the work system. If necessary, take advantage of this opportunity to improve your French as soon as possible.
• Plan your entire study process in advance. Avoid surprises when you finish your degree. Make sure you have all your documents ready to apply for your PGWP at the right time.

In short, the success of your project in Quebec depends not only on your grades, but also on your planning. The French requirement for graduation, the PGWP and permanent residency are all pieces of the same puzzle, and skipping one step out of ignorance can affect your entire transition. 

Are you a student in Quebec and have questions about your process? In the following links, you can request an appointment with Immiland Canada's experts:

• Specialized consulting for Quebec. 

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• Schedule an appointment with Carolina Feican(COO & Regulated Consultant CICC with QC MIF).

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Thank you very much for reading, see you in the next blog!

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With love, 

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Immiland Canada