Honourable Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, in January 2023 stated that Canada has met that goal, surpassing our previous record from 2021. This is the most people ever welcomed in a single year in Canadian history. Prior to breaking a new admissions record in 2021, Canada last welcomed such a huge number of newcomers in 1913.
This tremendous accomplishment would not have been achieved without the hard work of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) personnel, who continue to raise the bar for processing. In 2022, the country will have received a record number of international and overseas students from 184 countries.
Furthermore, as of December 31st, 2022, there are 807,750 international students with valid study visas, an all-time high. The number of study permits granted has also greatly increased in recent years.
Also Read: Canada Launches IEC to Attract International Youth to Travel and Work for 2 Years
In 2021, a total of 444,260 new study permits will be issued, up from 400,600 in 2019. (with 2020 seeing a decrease due to the COVID-19 pandemic). This means that 107,145 more study permits were issued in 2022 than in 2021.
Hence, the number of students in Canada has grown drastically. There were 637,860 international students in Canada in 2019. Due to pandemic pressures, this number fell in 2020, but rebounded in 2021 to a total of 617,315 international students in the country. With a resumption of normality last year, Canada will have roughly 170,000 more international students by the end of 2022 than in 2019.
Here are the top 10 countries from around the world from where new foreign students have entered Canada in 2022:
|
Countries |
Number of International Students |
|---|---|
|
India |
226,450 |
|
China |
52,165 |
|
Philippines |
23,380 |
|
France |
16,725 |
|
Nigeria |
16,195 |
|
Iran |
13,525 |
|
Republic of Korea |
11,535 |
|
Japan |
10,955 |
|
Mexico |
10,405 |
|
Brazil |
10,405 |
Also, as of December 31st, 2022, the top 10 source countries of foreign students currently living and studying in Canada were:
|
Countries |
Number of International Students |
|---|---|
|
India |
319,130 |
|
People’s Republic of China |
100,075 |
|
Philippines |
32,455 |
|
France |
27,135 |
|
Nigeria |
21,660 |
|
Iran |
21,115 |
|
Republic of Korea |
16,505 |
|
Vietnam |
16,140 |
|
Mexico |
14,930 |
|
United States |
14,485 |
In 2022, international students in Canada attended Designated Learning Institutes in the following provinces:
|
Canadian States |
Number of International Students |
|---|---|
|
Ontario |
411,000 |
|
164,000 |
164,000 |
|
Quebec |
93,000 |
|
Alberta |
43,000 |
|
Manitoba |
22,000 |
|
Nova Scotia |
20,850 |
|
Saskatchewan |
13,135 |
|
New Brunswick |
11,140 |
|
Newfoundland and Labrador |
6,175 |
|
Prince Edward Island |
4,485 |
What Makes Canada so Attractive to International Students?
There are various reasons why Canada remains a popular destination for international students, including the quality of education, cheaper expenses, employment possibilities, and post-graduation immigration opportunities. Due to the following criteria, Canada is by far the most popular location for international students worldwide:
Quality Education
The outstanding level of quality education available in Canada contributes to this good position. Numerous Canadian institutions are ranked among the world's most prominent educational institutions (especially when considering specific programmes and faculties). As a result, Canadian institutions gain global prominence, which is an important factor in attracting international students.
Affordable Cost of Studying
The Canadian dollar's more favourable exchange rate results in better conversions with international currencies than its competitors. This implies that international students can acquire post-secondary education at an affordable cost than in many other countries with equivalent levels of education, such as the USA or the UK. Furthermore, Canada provides several financial aid programmes for international students, significantly alleviating financial concerns.
Work Opportunities
The possibility to work in Canada has also improved Canada's attractiveness among international students. After completing their education, international graduates in Canada are eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). This is an open work permit that permits students to live and work in the country full-time after graduation, and it is an important stage in the immigration process for international graduates in Canada.
Last year, 132,650 full-time students moved to employees under the PGWP programme, with the number of PGWP holders joining the workforce increasing year after year. Furthermore, until the end of 2023, international students with valid study permits can work an unrestricted number of hours throughout school semesters.
Post Graduation Stay Back Possibilities
Canada is one of the few countries that allow international students to stay in the country permanently. Furthermore, earning a Canadian degree is one of the finest methods to improve one's immigration status.
The typical path from student to immigrant entails earning a PGWP and gaining the minimum required qualified full-time work experience (one year). Students can then seek permanent residency in Canada through one of the country's immigration processes. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has even been formed inside the Express Entry controlled programmes just for these individuals.
Also Read: Canada Express Entry 2023 First Draw Held: 5500 Invites Issued
This year alone, 53,725 individuals transitioned from PGWP to permanent residency, demonstrating both the attractiveness and reachability of immigration for international students seeking to change their status to PR in Canada.
Source: CIC News
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