International students continue to play a role in the Canadian Immigration system. For instance, they contribute some $22 billion annually to Canada’s economy and help to sustain over 170,000 jobs. Overall, 404,000 international students received study permits in 2019. Currently, the number of foreign students studying in Canada is about 650,000. Canada is now the world’s third-leading destination for international students behind the United States and Australia.
Most international students come to Ontario
Nova Scotia also benefits from the trends
In 2014, Nova Scotia’s immigration authorities set the goal of increasing the number of international students by at least 10% having in mind that those graduates can become a source of immigration. In 2018, the proportion of international graduates staying in Nova Scotia after graduating reached 12.6%, a significant increase from 9.4% in 2017.
This trend has continued to increase significantly in 2019, although the authorities are still waiting for the final numbers. Moreover, the Nova Scotia government established the EduNova project to allocate funds for students. It provides 50 international students with employment guidance and assistance annually. At least 80% of them chose to stay in Nova Scotia after graduation.
New regulation for graduates
The federal government is constantly looking for ways to optimize the retention of international graduates. On February 21, the Immigration department released an update to the Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) instructions which clarified that international students who have completed their study can work
during the waiting for a decision on their application for a PGWP. Moreover, those graduates now can maintain their eligibility for a PGWP even if they visit their home country and re-enter Canada. Earlier, PGWP applicants should remain in Canada to apply for it.
Immigration perspectives
International graduates need to have Canadian work experience in a job under the NOC 0, A or B to qualify for PR. If they are unable to score high points in the Express Entry system to be processed under the federal programs, they should look into Provincial Nominee Programs. Many provinces designed immigration streams aimed at international graduates. For instance, Ontario managed the Master Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Stream which is expected to reopen in the upcoming months. In the last two years, Ontario admitted 1,000 in each year within this stream. The provincial nomination will add 600 points to the Express Entry profiles of the international graduates. Finally, the last way to apply for PR is to find an employer who can obtain an LMIA to hire international students upon graduation. An LMIA-based job offer can add 50 points to Express Entry.
Having difficulties with any aspect of student immigration? Call us today and book an appointment. Our advisors will guide you from getting a study permit to the point of getting your permanent resident card!
