Canada could boost the immigration of international students by allowing the provinces to nominate more of them through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), notes the Conference Board of Canada.
“The PNP is the most common way that former international students become permanent residents,” reports the non-profit think tank.
“An increase in PNP slots for international students can make it easier for them to stay in Canada, which can facilitate retention in provinces of study.”
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In its report, After School: Keeping International Students In Province, the Conference Board of Canada also highlights the importance of improved settlement services offered by the provinces to help international students seeking their permanent residence in Canada.
“The post-study period can be precarious. International students are navigating the transition to the labour market and the immigration system without access to federally-funded settlement services,” notes the Conference Board of Canada.
“Provinces can boost retention by ensuring that international students get support from their post-secondary institution and from provincially funded settlement services.
“An early investment from provincial governments in the success of international students will help them build a career and community connections, which will ultimately benefit retention.”
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Universities and colleges in Canada enjoy a very solid reputation throughout the world.
In the ninth annual Best Global Universities ranking of 2,000 of these educational institutions throughout the world, three Canadian universities – the University of Toronto (UofT), the University of British Columbia (UBC), and McGill University – placed among the 100 best.
And another 15 Canadian universities made it into the top quarter of the 2,000 best universities ranked.
The University of Toronto was ranked 18th. UBC placed 35th. McGill University was deemed the third-best university in Canada.
Quality Of Canadian Universities Attracts International Students From Throughout The World
Other Canadian universities that made it in the top 25 per cent of all universities globally include:
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- Université de Montréal
- University of Calgary
- University of Waterloo
- University of Ottawa
- University of Western Ontario
- Dalhousie University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Victoria
- University of Manitoba
- Laval University
- York University
- Queens University
- University of Guelph
The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers a glimpse of the massive potential to increase immigration to the country through better programs to retain international students.
Canada On Track This Year To Hit Record Number Of Study Permits Issued
That IRCC data shows Canada is on track to set a new record for study permits issued this year, with 418,260 international students having been given one of these permits in the first nine months of this year.
Based on that current trend, Canada could close this year with 557,680 study permits issued. That would be 113,200 study permits, or almost 25.5 per cent, more than the 444,480 issued last year.
Since 2015, the number of study permits issued to international students coming to Canada has more than doubled, soaring from 219,035 during that year to record-breaking levels today.
A study permit, once issued, allows a foreign national to study in Canada at an approved institute for the duration of the specified course or program.
There are exceptions. Foreign nationals do not require a study permit to go to school in Canada under the following conditions:
- the course or program of study is less than six months in duration;
- the student is a family member or staff of a foreign representative to Canada, or;
- the student is a member of a foreign armed force.
To be eligible to study in Canada students must:
- have been accepted by a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada;
- have proven they have enough money to pay for their tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation for themselves and any family members who come with them to Canada.
- be law-abiding citizens with no criminal record and not a risk to the security of Canada. They may have to provide a police certificate;
- be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary, and;
- satisfy an immigration officer they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
International Students With Study Permits Are Allowed To Work In Canada
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) may also be required if the student is a citizen of a country from which such visas are required for entry into Canada. This is not required for citizens of visa-exempt countries.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows students to work while studying in Canada.
A student may be able to work in Canada during his or her studies under the following categories:
- On campus without a Work Permit;
- Off campus with a Work Permit;
- In Co-op and Internship Programs, where work experience is part of the curriculum, with a Work Permit.
Spouses or common-law partners of foreign students are also eligible for work permits for the duration of the study permit.
Upon graduation, a foreign student may apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Under this program, the work permit may be issued for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.
