Overseas students are attracted to Canada by more than only prospective PR status. They report many highly-attractive factors, including the safety, multiculturalism, and high-quality education found in the country. Studying in Canada can also be more affordable than in other countries with substantial non-native education populations like the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom. Canada also allows international students to work while they attend school, which means they can support themselves financially while gaining work experience.
At nearly 35% of Canada’s foreign learning population, India holds the lead for source countries. The second is China, with France in third. India’s sizeable outflow of students to Canada is because it has the world’s second-largest English-speaking population and a broad middle-class population.
By the number of study permit holders in Canada as of December 31, 2021, the top 10 source countries were:
1) India: 217,410
2) China: 105,265
3) France: 26,630
4) Iran: 16,900
5) Vietnam: 16,285
6) South Korea: 15,805
7) The Philippines: 15,545
8) The United States: 14,325
9) Nigeria: 13,745
10) Mexico: 11,550
Potential pupils need to research their desired education programs and DLI options available in Canada. They then submit a completed application to the intended DLI. If approved, a person will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). With an LOA, an aspiring learner can submit their study permit application to the IRCC. The IRCC will consider different criteria, such as, does the applicant have the financial means to support their study and living expenses while in Canada?
The IRCC also offers a sped-up pathway called the Student Direct Stream (SDS). The SDS is an accelerated study permit route for residents of Peru, Columbia, Brazil, Senegal, Morocco, Vietnam, Pakistan, Philippines, China, and India, among a few others.
In response to government research showing that non-native graduates strongly and positively affect labour market outcomes after gaining PR, many immigration programs reward applicants that study in Canada. Through various avenues operated by the IRCC, the provinces, or territories —such as Express Entry— candidates and international graduates can obtain extra points for a Canadian study experience.
