INTERNATIONAL
In 2023, Canada granted permanent resident status to a greater number of former international students than in the entire previous year.
According to data from IRCC, 20,580 former study permit holders changed to permanent resident status in the first three quarters of 2023, compared to 19,735 in 2022. This marks a substantial rise in the number of students becoming permanent residents in Canada over the past four years, with a remarkable 78% increase when compared to 2019.
Among the provinces in Canada, Ontario has remained the most popular destination for former students looking to establish permanent residency, with 35% of those transitioning to permanent residency in 2023 planning to live there. It was followed by British Columbia (21%), Quebec (12%), and Alberta (9%).
New Immigration Strategy:
Canada’s Government plans to stabilize permanent residency levels by 2026, indicating a shift in government policy after years of immigration growth. The government intends to maintain its planned targets for the next two years, with the number of new permanent residents increasing to 485,000 and 500,000 in 2024 and 2025, respectively. According to the plan in 2026, the government will stabilize permanent resident levels at 500,000.
This new policy came in response to pressures on infrastructure and housing due to Canada’s growing population in recent years. Despite the increase in former international students gaining permanent residency, they still make up a minority of Canada’s new permanent residents. Last year, the country granted permanent resident status to a record 437,180 people in total. Readmore…
While many international students in Canada aspire to become permanent residents, the number who achieve this status is relatively small in comparison to the overall number of international students in the country.
Speaking at a recent press conference, immigration minister Marc Miller emphasized that being an international student does not guarantee permanent residence or citizenship. He called for more clarity and transparency in the pathways for international students.
Miller has committed to opening “more clear paths” to permanent residency for people already in Canada and changing the post-graduate work permit scheme. He believes that students should be given the opportunity to change into a pathway to permanent residency after their studies.
In response to this, the Canadian Bureau for International Education has called for a “special stream” for international students within the immigration system, aiming to facilitate access to permanent residency. More details on these plans are expected to be announced in the coming months.
The changing environment for international students and permanent residency in Canada reflects the country’s commitment to providing opportunities for aspiring immigrants while addressing the challenges associated with population growth.
Stay tuned for more details.
