This is one of the conclusions presented Thursday by the director of strategic research and international relations of the Association of Colleges and Universities of the French-Canadian French-speaking world, Martin Normand, to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
” We learned that, at times, officials may have considered choosing to study French at a minority institution as not being a credible path for an international student. »
The credibility of the course proposed by the candidate is one of the many factors studied by IRCCaccording to Mr. Normand.
He specified that these are anecdotal testimonies and that the Association intends to delve deeper into the issue. I can’t tell you how systematized it is.
The big problem is that institutions do not have access to the reasons for denial of study permits.
he adds. If the student does not share the reasons for the refusal, the institution does not know.
Mr. Normand argues that the government lacks consistency in immigration, especially for French-speaking African students, who face systemic challenges
.
Abroad, our association and our members are encouraged [par le gouvernement] promote to potential candidates the possibility of applying for permanent residence at the end of their studies
he explains.
” But this reason, the desire to stay in Canada after studying, can be taken advantage of by IRCC to refuse study permits. »
So there was a doubt about the veracity of the course proposed by the student
regrets Martin Normand. This is a substantial disadvantage for us that could have significant consequences for our establishments.
The Association of Colleagues and Universities of the Canadian Francophonie is asking the government to coherent and systemic approach
promote francophone immigration.
Minister arrested
Québec bloc deputy Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe was shocked to hear what Mr. Normand had to say on Thursday. I think I’m going to shove my chair into the floor and try not to fall.
It is important if IRCC tells us that studying French outside Quebec is not a valid course
he declared.
It remains to check
underlined Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe in an interview. It is imperative that Minister Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, hold his own department accountable and conduct an investigation into this.
” [Si c’est vrai]there is a lack of respect for francophones, for students who want to study in French and for our francophone post-secondary institutions outside Quebec. »
Obstacles
Bululu Kabatakaka of the Collège Boréal says the university system is sometimes misunderstood even though its programs are very practical and closer to the workplace
.
People cannot conceive that someone who has a university degree in their home country can come to Canada to study college.
he watches.
Historically, the visa fee for us is very low
he observes, and that in spite of considerable efforts.
” We would gain a little more if we had a little help, in any case, a better understanding of our programs by the immigration services. »
The same criteria for all
An officer would not refuse an application because an individual applied to study French outside Quebec
guarantees a spokesperson IRCCin an email to Radio-Canada. This is not a reason to refuse a study permit application.
Visa applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, he continues, applying uniform criteria.
Persons wishing to come to study in Canada must prove, among other things, that they have the necessary financial resources, that they are in good health and that they have strong ties to their country of origin and will return there when the status granted is not available. more in effect.
IRCC has taken important steps to support francophone students and francophone immigration in general
ensures.