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Study in Montréal: A Montréal International Student Interview

Hasti, a recent graduate and now a working software engineer, explains why she is planning to stay in Montréal long term. 

May 2, 2022
  • Study Abroad in Canada

Q&A with Hasti, an international student who decided to stay in Montréal after graduating

Q: Where are you from?
A: I’m from Iran.

Q: Where and what did you study in Montréal?
A: I studied at Concordia University and I did a Master’s in software engineering.

Q: Why did you decide to stay in Montréal after you graduated?
A: I found happiness and a future in Montréal. It’s such a vibrant city filled with energy and opportunity. It really feels like anything is possible here.

There are so many job opportunities, festivals all year round, and the quality of life is unmatched. Plus there are people from all around the globe, that makes you feel like you’re home and part of the city.

The city is amazing for students. Public transport is accessible and affordable, and university tuition costs less than other big cities in Canada. Housing and groceries are also cheaper. Plus the city is filled with students so you never feel like you’re alone and have support during stressful times like finals.

After graduation, I also find it’s easier to find a job, buy a house and a car, pay for insurance and settle down at a young age compared to other big cities.

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Q: What did you have to do to stay in Montréal?
A: One of the best things about Montréal is that it’s francophone, which gives everyone studying here a great opportunity to learn French. All university graduates here are eligible for a post-graduate work permit, which covers you to work for one to three years depending on the duration of your studies.

When I finished my master’s degree, I got my three-year post-graduate work permit. All I had to do then is find a job in my field of study, which I did, stay in the same job for one year and pass a French exam. From there, I can apply for the Certificat de selection du Québec (CSQ), which allows me to apply for permanent resident status.

Q: How do you like working in Montréal?
A: I love the company I’m working with right now. I love my colleagues, the work environment, everything. In my experience, Montréal is a great place to work in the tech sector. I feel like people work hard and play hard here. Office hours are flexible, most companies offer good RRSP and insurance plans, work facilities are almost always good, and I feel companies handled the pandemic situation really well.

Q: What does the future hold for you? Do you plan on staying in Montréal long term?
A: Yes I’m planning to stay here. I’ve finished studying French, I’ve found a stable job. So my next step is to apply for the CSQ once I’ve been at my job for a year and, once I get that, apply for permanent residency. I know for sure that I will stay in Montréal at least until I get my Canadian citizenship, and probably longer.

An Inspiring Place to Learn

Want to learn more about what it's like to study in Montréal? This section tells you what you need to know about student life in Montréal, from learning French to festivals and activities held in the city, as well as Montréal's world-famous food scene.

A Multicultural Metropolis for International Students

Montréal is one of the most diverse cities in North America. With people from all over the world living there, Montréal is vibrant and exciting, and home to a great range of schools. Find out more about all this in this section.

A Range of Programs with Promising Prospects

With great opportunities for work and internships during and after your studies, programs in Montréal have promising prospects for your future career. Find out more about that in this section.

Study in Canada

Want to find out more about what it's like to study in Canada? Click here to find out what you need to know about studying in Canada.

A Montréal International Student Interview

Want to learn more about opportunities to stay in Montréal after graduation? This section introduces you to a Q&A session with Hasti, an international student from Iran who is staying in country at the end of her Master's degree.

The Immigration Process

Already decided to study in Montréal? Find out everything you need to know about study permits and the immigration process for international students in Québec.

Why Montréal? A graduate's perspective

This interview with Wanda, a recent graduate from Concordia University, sheds light on the various opportunities for international students in Montréal after graduation.