Mónica Colín Silva and her spouse are determined to continue working in Quebec despite facing a setback. After residing in the province’s capital for almost four years, the couple received the disappointing news of their rejection for a post-graduation work permit, forcing them to cease their current employment abruptly.
Their decision to move to Quebec City was a carefully planned endeavor that started when Colín Silva, upon learning of her pregnancy with her daughter, Victoria, sought a brighter future by leaving Mexico. Drawn by Canada’s reputation for safety and hospitality, she embarked on a journey that involved obtaining English and French language qualifications, as well as fulfilling prerequisite courses to pursue a master’s degree in ergonomics at Université Laval.
Upon meeting all the necessary requirements in the fall of 2022, Colín Silva relocated to the city with her husband and daughter, juggling her full-time studies, motherhood, and work commitments. Despite the challenges of pursuing a master’s degree in a third language, she persevered and successfully completed her program in May.
After graduating, Colín Silva hoped to secure employment in her field but ended up working in daycare services at two schools due to the limited opportunities available. However, her aspirations of settling her family in Canada and advancing her career were shattered when her application for a post-graduation work permit was denied on January 26.
To qualify for the permit, applicants must pass a French exam comprising four sections. Although Colín Silva excelled in three sections, scoring above the minimum requirement, she fell short by a single point in the written portion. The stringent language test requirements have been enforced by the federal government since the end of 2024.
Despite the option to retake the exam, Colín Silva expressed financial concerns, citing the high costs involved as a burden her family cannot afford. The family is currently grappling with financial difficulties, struggling to cover rent in Quebec City and finance their return to Mexico.
Feeling distressed and abandoned, Colín Silva lamented the lack of flexibility in allowing her family to continue working temporarily while preparing for their departure. She criticized the system’s rigidity, describing the situation as dehumanizing and likening their treatment to being discarded.
International students like Colín Silva are not alone in facing challenges in Quebec’s evolving immigration landscape. Immigration Lawyer Maxime Lapointe highlighted the increasing obstacles imposed by both levels of government over the years, leaving many newcomers ineligible to settle in the province.
The recent requirement for French language proficiency in post-graduation work permits has particularly impacted newcomers, with many struggling to navigate the complex application process. Despite the concerns raised by affected individuals, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada did not provide a response to inquiries.
The uncertainty surrounding immigration policies has left international students like Joeséphine Claude Haba at a loss. As regulations continue to change rapidly, the cancellation of the PEQ program and its replacement with a new prioritized system has jeopardized the prospects of many aspiring permanent residents.
Claude Haba, a marketing student at Université Laval, expressed disappointment over the shifting immigration landscape, which has dashed her hopes of attaining permanent residency. She described the situation as a breach of trust, questioning the future prospects for herself and her fellow students in Quebec.