Students to protest closure of Montreal college after provincial permit suspension

Protesters are set to gather today in front of a private college in Montreal to protest its closure after its permit was not renewed by the Quebec government. 

The Collège supérieur de Montréal is among four private colleges in the province that saw their permit suspended in recent weeks. 

Some students were weeks away from graduation when they learned they would not be able to complete their studies as planned.

For the many international students attending these colleges, the closures mean their immigration status as well as their graduation are now in limbo.

The Quebec education ministry would not give details on why it had not renewed the permits, but said it had communicated with students about alternative ways to finish their studies.

The provincial immigration ministry confirmed that international students will need to submit a new request in order to keep their status, but said the processing of their request would be adapted to the situation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2026.

By Marieke Glorieux-Stryckman | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.