CBIE, a non-profit organisation, has recently unveiled the annual international student survey statistics for 2021. Approximately 41,000 students across 67 Canadian educational institutions participated in the poll.
In this survey, international students were asked to share their perspectives about studying in Canada. They responded to questions like why they chose Canada as their study abroad destination, their life in Canada as an international student, and their plans after graduation.
Safety and Stability in the Country
In terms of safety, Canada consistently ranks among the top countries. For the first time, students have cited safety as their top convincing reason for choosing to study in Canada over educational prestige, with over 80% citing it.
For 70% of international students, Canadas reputed educational institutions were the second most important factor. Furthermore, for more than 50% of the participants, the countrys compassion, multiculturalism, and inclusiveness made it an appealing destination to study abroad.
Almost 40% of respondents stated that they chose to study in the country hoping to gain permanent residence in Canada after finishing their education.
Canadas High Acceptance Rate for International Students
Respondents described their overall experience of studying and living in Canada as a positive one. Their initial arrival in Canada was quite easy, it was challenging to find suitable accommodation.
While 39% reported considerable challenges in getting a Canadian student visa, getting a letter of acceptance from an academic institution was evaluated as the most streamlined aspect of Canadian immigration.
Easy Work Rules for International Students
International students enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) are permitted to work in Canada without having to apply for a separate work permit on their study visas. To be eligible, an international student must:
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Have a Social Insurance Number.
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Have already been studying in Canada.
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Be enrolled in a full-time diploma or certification that is at least six-month-long.
Throughout the academic semester, international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week and even take multiple jobs at a time. However, students are permitted to work full-time throughout their academic breaks.
On-Campus Jobs
Except for part-time students who are in their final semester, international students are only allowed to work on campus up until the last day they are enrolled as full-time students.
Off-Campus Jobs
While most of the international students enrolled in Canadian universities reported that their studies are supported by their parents and other family members, nearly one-third of these students stated that they rely on the easy off-campus work opportunities in the country to bear a part of their expenses.
Stay Back and Permanent Residence in Canada
Upon being asked about their plans after completing their course, the majority of international students expressed their desire of staying back in Canada by applying for permanent resident status. Others stated that they aspire to work for a few years in the country, gain valuable work experience, and return to their native countries.
Also Read: New PR Pathway in Canada for International Students in the Works
International graduates who want to stay in Canada after completing their education have several possibilities for obtaining a permanent residence in Canada. These include:
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the most prevalent Express Entry programfor PGWP holders. Students can apply for Canada Express Entry after graduation if they have worked in Canada for one year. Applicants must meet the minimum requirement of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for jobs under the National Occupation Classification (NOC). The requirements are:
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A CLB of 5 for jobs with skill code B.
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A CLB 7 for jobs with NOC 0 or A.
An important point to note here this that the work experience gained as a full-time student while you are enrolled in a Candian institution is not considered while evaluating the eligibility for the Express Entry application.
Quebec Experience Program
The Quebec Experience Program also called PEQ has been specifically designed for international students who have finished their course of study in Quebec. Students who are at least 18 years old with a high level of French proficiency intending to live and work in Quebec are eligible for this program.
Also Read: Private Quebec College Graduates Will Not Be Eligible for PGWP Starting September 2023
Post Graduation Work Permit
Over 70% of international students disclosed their plans of applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. Obtaining a PGWP helps to earn significant work experience that can be used to support a permanent residency application.
The length of the permit is determined by the length of the study programme in which an international student is enrolled. A PGWP can be up to a maximum of three years. However, through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program(PGWPP), Canada has Announced the Work Permit Extension for International Students.
PGWP is not available for international students pursuing study programmes that last less than eight months. Students enrolled in a two-year programme or more may avail of the PGWP for up to three years.
Provincial Nominee Programs
In order to meet the needs of the labour market of the Canadian provinces and territories, almost all provinces in the country have designed a unique Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Most of these provinces have programs specifically tailored for newly graduated international students that have its own set of eligibility requirements.
Also Read: Canada Resumes Express Entry Draws
Apart from these programs designed for international students, Canada further offers more than 100 economic class pathways that aspirants from Hong Kong or other skilled workers may be eligible for.
Find Out Post-Study WorkOpportunitiesin Canada!
Source: CIC News
