Canadian Immigration Minister Seeks more International Students

Canada's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has announced plans to dramatically increase the number of foreign students that the country admits annually. Although no specific numbers have been quoted as yet, it was pointed out that Australia admits as many as 10 times as many foreign students from nations such as India than does Canada.

Minister of Immigration Updates Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

On April 21st, Canada's Minister of Immigration announced changes to the program which allows certain foreign students to work in Canada following their graduation. The program, which is effective immediately, changes the maximum duration of such work permits from two years to three. It also removes the requirement of a job offer consistent with the field of study by allowing for issuance of open work permits.

Program requirements for international students as follows:

• Must have studied full-time for at least eight months preceding the completion of their program of studies and have graduated from:
• a public post-secondary institution, such as a college, university or CEGEP (in Quebec); or
• a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and that receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently, only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify); or
• a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees.
• Must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation (for example, a transcript or an official letter) from the institution that they have met the requirements of the academic program (notice of graduation).
• Must have completed and passed the program of study and received a notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree, diploma or certificate.
• Must have a valid study permit when they apply for the work permit.

The following foreign students are not eligible for the program:

• Students participating in a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program or a Government of Canada Awards Program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
• Students receiving funding from the Canadian International Development Agency and participating in a distance learning program.
• Students who have previously been issued a post-graduation work permit after any other program of study. However, note that graduates who are already working with a work permit issued under the previous rules are eligible to apply for an extension.

Canada's Foreign Student Enrollment Reaches High

For the fifth consecutive year, foreign student enrollment at Canada's universities has hit record highs. For the 2005-2006 academic year, the last for which national figures are available, enrollment reached over 80,000 students, accounting for a 6% increase over the prior year. The provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec account for the largest numbers of foreign students. These provinces together presently attract approximately 78% of the enrollment.

The report by Statistics Canada suggests that economic growth in certain regions, more attractive immigration policies, and more aggressive marketing by the universities themselves all account for the increases.

Canada must retain foreign students as immigrants

The Canadian Bureau for International Education, an agency representing 200 post-secondary schools in Canada, has released a report calling for improved efforts to retain Canada's foreign students. With increased competition for skilled employees worldwide, this resource is seen as a very valuable source of as many as 30,000 skilled immigrants annually. A study conducted by the organizations suggests that only 1/3 of graduating foreign students intend to remain in Canada, and are otherwise being lured away by countries such as the USA, France, China, and India.