Examining Canada's Immigration Policies

International students are vital to Canada's economy and cultural fabric

Why Canada Should Do More to Keep International Students

On This Page You Will Find:

• The Economic Impact of International Students
• Recent Immigration Reforms and Their Consequences
• Challenges Faced by International Students in Canada
• The Importance of Canadian Education for Permanent Residency
• Proposed Solutions and Recommendations

Summary:

International students in Canada play a critical role in the nation's economy, contributing billions annually and providing a skilled workforce for the future. Recent federal reforms aimed at regulating the influx of international students may undermine these benefits, jeopardizing both economic gains and Canada's reputation as an inclusive destination for higher education. By enhancing pathways to permanent residency and recognizing the value of Canadian education, Canada can better retain these valuable contributors, ensuring long-term prosperity and cultural enrichment.

In recent years, Canada has experienced a remarkable surge in international student enrollment, with numbers more than doubling over a decade to reach 468,087 in the 2022-23 academic year. These students contribute significantly to the Canadian economy, injecting $37.3 billion into economic activity in 2022 alone, and accounting for an additional $30.9 billion in GDP. They bring cultural diversity, foster innovation, and enrich the educational experience for domestic students by promoting global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding.

However, despite these undeniable benefits, the Canadian federal government has implemented sweeping reforms targeting international students, including capped study permits and stricter post-graduate work permit regulations. These measures, introduced in response to concerns about housing and food availability, as well as broader public sentiments regarding immigration, are seen by many as detrimental.

The reforms not only threaten to destabilize Canada's post-secondary sector by forcing institutions to make budget cuts due to anticipated revenue shortfalls but also damage the country's image as a welcoming destination for international scholars. The federal international education strategy, initially devised to address labor shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, now appears to be in conflict with the broader goal of harnessing the talents of these students for Canada's future workforce.

The Challenge of Staying in Canada

International students face significant challenges in Canada, with annual tuition fees averaging $40,114 for undergraduates, a figure that dwarfs domestic tuition rates. Additionally, the rising cost of living exacerbates financial strains, leading many students to skip meals or face homelessness at rates much higher than their Canadian peers.

Despite these hardships, the overwhelming majority of international students—92% according to a recent survey—express a desire to remain in Canada post-graduation, with over half showing strong interest in obtaining permanent residency. Their Canadian educational experience is highly valued by employers, often leading to faster integration and higher wages compared to those with foreign credentials.

Nevertheless, international graduates face a tough battle in securing residency due to Canada's competitive points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Currently, Canadian graduates receive only a marginal point advantage, a mere 2.5% of the total possible score, which barely reflects the true value of their Canadian education.

Rewarding Canadian Education

To better retain international students, experts propose doubling the CRS points awarded for Canadian post-secondary credentials. This adjustment would align with government priorities, providing a competitive edge to graduates of Canadian institutions without increasing immigration quotas or public spending. While this change alone won't resolve all challenges faced by international students, it signifies a meaningful step toward recognizing their potential and facilitating their contribution to Canada's future prosperity.

Ultimately, if Canada seeks to secure its economic and social future, it must prioritize retaining the international students it educates, ensuring they have viable pathways to permanent residency and the opportunity to contribute to the nation's growth.

References

1. Statistics Canada: International Student Enrollment
2. Global News: Ontario College Layoffs
3. International Education Strategy
4. Abacus Data Survey
5. C.D. Howe Institute Report