Québec suspends study permits for language programs

In recent months, international students planning to study language programs in Quebec have faced significant challenges due to changes in immigration policies. One of the most prominent cases is that of the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, a very popular institution among foreign students that is now affected by these new restrictions.

In this blog, I want to share the background of this suspension and offer recommendations so that affected international students can manage the change to their advantage. Read with me to the end and take advantage of this information - let's get started!

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What is going on?

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The government of Quebec has announced that it will no longer be granting CAQ for new study permit applications to students enrolled in private language schools, which is directly affecting those who have received letters of admission (LOAs) for language programs, as these LOAs are now only valid for applying for visitor (tourist) visas, not study permits.

Therefore, even if a student has a valid Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ), he/she will not be able to obtain a study permit if his/her LOA corresponds to a language program.

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Why does this happen?

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The main objective of this suspension is to reduce admissions to technical and college-level training programs, while keeping university admissions relatively stable. Note that this policy change is part of a broader strategy by the Quebec government to control the number of international students in the province. 

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Limit on the number of applications for studies

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From February 26, 2025 to February 26, 2026, Quebec has imposed a cap on the number of temporary selection applications for study, and the province plans to issue a maximum of 124,760 certificates of acceptance (CAQs) for international students, representing a 20% reduction compared to 2024.

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What does this mean for international students?

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That if they plan to come to Quebec to study a language program, they will no longer be able to apply for a study permit and could only enter on a tourist visa, which limits their length of stay and does not allow them to work legally in Canada.

This situation is not encouraging, but it is not impossible to change. Canada offers many avenues of study both in terms of academic programs and less restrictive provincial immigration policies. Please join me in reading the following recommendations. 

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What can international students do?

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If you are affected by the suspension of study permits for language programs, we recommend:

1. Verify your Letter of Admission (LOA)
   Make sure your LOA is valid to apply for a study permit. If it is only good for tourism, you will need to rethink your strategy.
   
   
2. Consider alternative programs
   Explore non-language academic programs that are recognized by the Ministry of Immigration, French and Integration (MIFI) for the issuance of CAQs and study permits.
   
   
3. Explore other provinces
   Investigate whether other provinces may have more flexible policies for language programs. If you would like guidance about other provinces, you can request a vocational education appointment with an Immiland Education advisor.
   
   
4. Consult directly with the educational institutions
   Contact the schools or Cégeps of your interest to obtain updated and official information.
   
   

This policy change demonstrates the importance of staying informed about immigration and study requirements in Canada.

If you are planning to study in Quebec, it is essential that you verify each step with up-to-date information and official sources such as: Government of Quebec - Information on the temporary selection for studies (CAQ), news on the admissions limit: Les Cégeps - Quotas de étudiants étrangers, reports from La Presse - Restrictions on international students and with our blog ImmilandCanada.

Do you have any immigration questions? Click on Contact - Immiland Canada and we will be happy to help you.

I hope this topic will be useful and that you will be able to study in Canada soon. Thank you very much for reading, see you in the next blog!

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With love, 

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Immiland Canada