
Immigration News
Survey: International students choose Canada for its reputation as a safe and inclusive country
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15th July 2022 1PM EDT

Credit CICNEWS
There are many
pathways for graduates stay in Canada
The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)
has recently released the results of their 2021 annual international
student survey. The survey contains data from over 41,000 students from 67
Canadian educational institutions. International students provided input on
their experiences with all aspects of studying in Canada. They answered
questions about why they decided to study in Canada, their experiences while
studying and their post-graduation plans.
CBIE is a non-profit organization that aims to advance Canadian
international education and promote the benefits of studying in Canada
worldwide.
Safety and stability are a deciding factor
Canada consistently
ranks among the safest countries in the world. However, this is the first time
safety has outranked educational reputation as the deciding factor for students
choosing to study in Canada, with close to 80% saying it was the biggest draw.
The reputation of
Canada’s educational institutions ranked as the second consideration for 70% of
students. Additionally, over half of respondents said Canada’s tolerance,
diversity and inclusivity made it attractive as place to study.
Nearly 40 %
reported choosing Canada because they hope to become permanent residents once
they have completed their studies.
How students fund their time in Canada
Most students
reported being able to afford to study in Canada through the support of
parents, grandparents, and other family members. Approximately one third of
students reported relying on off campus work and personal savings in addition
to family support.
Can international students work in Canada?
Students who are
enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) can work without
obtaining a work permit. To be eligible:
- You must be a full-time student in a program
that is at least six months long and leads to a certificate or diploma
- You have already started studying
- You have a Social Insurance Number
You may work up to
20 hours a week throughout the academic semester, and you may work more than
one job to make up the hours. During academic breaks, you are allowed to work
full-time.
On-campus jobs
Students may only
work on-campus until the final day they are enrolled as full-time students
unless they are part time students in their final semester and do not require a
full course load.
Part-time students
are only eligible to work if they are in the last semester of their full-time
study program and do not require a full course load in that semester to
graduate.
High rate of acceptance for international students
Students reported
that their experiences living and studying in Canada have been positive
overall.
They describe their
initial arrival in coming to Canada as relatively easy, with finding
accommodation listed as the biggest difficulty. Although 39% did cite some
difficulty in obtaining a study visa, getting a letter of acceptance from an
educational institution was ranked as the easiest part of coming to Canada.
Students reported
feeling able to form connections and a sense of community with other
international students or those who are from the same country. However, they do
experience some difficulty forming connections outside of these areas.
Staying in Canada after graduation
When asked about
post-graduation plans, most respondents indicated that they planned to pursue
permanent resident status and remain in Canada. Others said they would gain
work experience in Canada for a few years before returning to their home
countries.
Graduates who wish
to remain in Canada after they complete their studies have many options to
pursue permanent residence.
Post Graduation
Work Permit
More than 70% of
students said they planned to apply for a Post-Graduation
Work Permit (PGWP) when they complete their studies. Getting a PGWP allows you
to gain valuable Canadian work experience that can count toward an application
for permanent residence.
A PGWP is an open
work permit that allows recent grads to work for any employer, in any
occupation in Canada. The length of the permit depends on how long your program
was, up to a maximum of three years. Programs less than eight months long are
not eligible for a PGWP and a program two years or more can be eligible for up
to three years.
Canadian Experience
Class
The most
common Express Entry program for PGWP holders is the Canadian Experience
Class (CEC). After graduation, if you complete one year of working in
Canada and meet a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 for jobs that
fall under National Occupation Classification skill code B, or CLB 7 for jobs
with NOC’s 0 or A, you can apply for Express Entry.
Work experience
gained during your time as a full-time student does not count towards the work
experience required for Express Entry.
Provincial Nominee
Programs
Almost every
province in Canada operates its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). PNPs
are aimed at addressing the labour market needs of provinces and territories.
Most provinces have programs designed specifically for recently graduated
international students, each with unique eligibility criteria.
Quebec Experience
Program
The Quebec Experience
Program (PEQ) is for international students who completed their studies
in Quebec. You may be eligible for this program, if you have a high proficiency
in the French language, are 18 or older and you intend to live and work in
Quebec.
Other options for students
Canada has over 100
economic class pathways that international students may be eligible to apply
for.
- Atlantic Immigration Program: Graduates that have
studied in Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick or Newfoundland and Labrador
may be eligible for this program
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong nationals that
have studied in Canada may be able to obtain permanent residence through
this program.
- Rural and Northern Immigration
Pilot:
This program is for international students who wish to live and work in
northern or rural areas of Canada.