LaSalle College Students Face Sudden Shift to Part-Time Status

Dozens of students at LaSalle College in Montreal are grappling with unexpected changes to their academic status as the institution seeks to comply with Quebec’s stringent language reform laws. Less than a month before classes are set to begin, around 90 students have been shifted from full-time to part-time status, a move that could impact their future career prospects and immigration status.

Among those affected is Alex Abraham, 33, who was preparing for his final year in the network management program. The sudden change, communicated via email last week, left him shocked and concerned. “We all came here with lots of expectations and dreams,” he expressed. Under the new part-time designation, students like Abraham will be ineligible for Canada’s post-graduation work permit and may face restrictions on off-campus employment.

Compliance with Quebec Language Quotas

The decision to alter student status stems from the need to adhere to new quotas established by the Charte de la langue française, which limits enrollment in English-language vocational programs. LaSalle College spokesperson Caroline Gervais explained that the adjustments are necessary to ensure compliance for the upcoming Fall 2025 semester. “We understand that such changes can be stressful and disruptive,” she stated in a recent communication.

Previously, during the 2024-25 academic year, LaSalle College exceeded its enrollment quota for English-language programs by 1,066 students, resulting in fines totaling $30 million. These penalties include a $21,113,864 fine for the recent infraction and an additional $8.7 million from the previous year. The college is currently contesting these fines in a civil suit in Quebec’s Superior Court.

According to the lawsuit, approximately 70 percent of students enrolled in these programs are international students, much like Abraham, who relocated from India with hopes of building a career in Quebec. “The standard of living is good here in Canada compared to India,” he noted. “We are all putting the effort to learn the language and also we are trying to build a career here.”

Concerns Over Academic Future

Abraham was aware of the college’s financial issues but had hoped for a resolution that would not disrupt his educational plans. The email notification informed him that while the college had the capacity to retain him as a full-time student, the imposed government cap forced the change. “How can I meet my expenses?” he questioned, highlighting the financial strain of transitioning to part-time status.

Gervais clarified that various factors beyond the college’s control, including student failures and changes in academic pathways, contributed to the change in enrollment status. She emphasized that the situation does not indicate that LaSalle College exceeded its overall AEC quota but rather reflects the constraints of the program’s capacity.

In response to the growing anxiety among affected students, LaSalle College organized a meeting with representatives from Immigration Canada to provide further clarity. Abraham expressed hope that this meeting would shed light on the reasons behind his status change. “I have the right to know the reason,” he asserted, emphasizing that he should not be held accountable for the college’s financial difficulties.

As the start of the academic year approaches, students like Abraham face uncertainty regarding their educational and professional futures in Quebec. With many relying on the ability to work while studying, the implications of this sudden shift could have lasting effects on their lives.