2012 Sees Record Number of International Students in Canada

One of the major attractions of Canadian immigration is access to Canada’s highly-rated educational system.  In 2012, for example, a record number of international students (100,000) were welcomed to Canada to attend educational programs in the country.  This represents a 60% increase over the number of foreign students welcomed to Canada in 2004. 

According to Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism (July 26, 2013), “Attracting and retaining the best and brightest immigrants from around the world is part of the government’s commitment to grow Canada’s economy and ensure long-term prosperity.”  He further declared, “The steady growth in numbers confirms that Canada remains a destination of choice for international students because of the remarkable educational opportunities that exist in our world class institutions.”

Paul Davidson, President of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, echoed these remarks when he recently stated, “Canada’s universities are pleased to see increasing numbers of international students attracted by our reputation for excellence in education.”

Canada sees international students as an important economic resource, since they bring in about $8 billion a year to the Canadian economy, plus many international students have the work experience and education required to fill various high-demand Canada job openings.  In its attempt to retain the “best and brightest” from around the globe to help the country meet its growing labor demands, the Canadian government has created various ways for international students to be issued a Permanent Resident Visa to Canada after graduation from educational programs in the country.  These Canadian immigration programs include the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program and Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

The Canadian government is not only seeking university graduates to help fill numerous Canada job openings.  Canadian businesses also need thousands of skilled tradespeople (i.e., carpenters, electricians, oil and gas workers, plumbers, welders, etc.).  Thus, another way to be issued a work visa to Canada is through the Provisional Nominee Program (PNP) and the new Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Canada is experiencing a growing labor shortage as its healthy economy continues to expand at the same time that increasing numbers of older Canadian workers are retiring from the workforce.  This situation has created the “perfect storm” for Canadian immigration, since many parts of the world are still struggling economically and Canada’s government is seeking skilled foreign workers for thousands of Canadian jobs.  In fact, the Canadian government makes available a work visa to Canada for around 250,000 qualified skilled foreign workers each year!  Thus, if you’re looking for Canada job opportunities and meet the requirements for Canadian immigration, now may be the best time to apply for a work visa to Canada!