By admin (May 21, 2024)
550,000 New International Students Welcomed by Canada in 2022
Roughly 550,000 new international students welcomed by Canada in 2022 as stated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
A record 551,405 international students from 184 countries were welcomed in 2022 as per the new data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of December 31st, 2022, there are 807,750 International students, in addition, holding valid study permits which is another all-time high number.
In recent years, there was a considerable increment in the number of study permits. A total of 444, 260 new study permits took effect in 2022 which is an increase from 400,600 in 2019. It means as compared to 2021, 107,145 more study permits took effect. As a result, there was a noticeable increase in the number of students as well.
In Canada, there were 637,860 international students in 2019. Due to pandemic pressures, this number decreased in 2022 – rebounding in 2021 to a total of 617,315 international students in the country. Canada now has nearly 170,000 more international students at the end of 2022, than in 2019 with a relative return to normalcy last year.
For new international students entering Canada in 2022, the top 10 source countries were:
1. India (226,450 students)
2. China (52,165 students)
3. Philippines (23,380 students)
4. France (16,725 students)
5. Nigeria (16,195 students)
6. Iran (13,525 students)
7. Republic of Korea (11,535 students)
8. Japan (10,955 students)
9. Mexico (10,405 students)
10. Brazil (10, 405 students)
As of 31st December 2022, for international students already living and studying in Canada, the top 10 source countries were:
1. India (319,130 students)
2. People’s Republic of China (100,075 students)
3. Philippines (32,355 students)
4. France (27,135 students)
5. Nigeria (21,660 students)
6. Iran (21,115 students)
7. Republic of Korea (16,505 students)
8. Vietnam (16,140 students)
9. Mexico (14,930 students)
10. United States (14,485 students)
International students attended Designated Learning Institutions in the following provinces within Canada in 2022:
1. Ontario (411,000 students)
2. British Columbia (164,000 students)
3. Quebec (93,000 students)
4. Alberta (43,000 students)
5. Manitoba (22,000 students)
6. Nova Scotia (20,850 students)
7. Saskatchewan (13,135 students)
8. New Brunswick (11,140 students)
9. Newfoundland and Labrador (6,175 students)
10. Prince Edward Island (4,485 students)
Why Canada is so popular among international students?
There are various reasons for Canada to remain a top destination for international students – including the lower costs, the standard of education, and obtaining work and immigration opportunities post-graduation. A recent report by IDP showed that Canada was overwhelmingly the top destination of choice for international students globally. IDP is an international education agency that specializes in the placement of students around the globe.
Quality of Education
Many institutes in Canada have rankings among the most prestigious schools internationally, especially when considering specific programs and faculties. Therefore global recognition is received by Canadian schools globally which is a key feature in attracting international students.
Work Opportunities
Within the country, the ability to work has also increased popularity of Canada among foreign students. Upon completion of their studies, international graduates in Canada are eligible to receive a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
This is an open work permit that permits students to live and work full-time in the country after graduation, a key step in the immigration process for international graduates in Canada. International Canadian graduates also have a rate of high employment, averaging 73% among graduates at all levels of education.
With consistent growth seen in the number of PGWP holders entering the workforce every year, 132,650 full-time students transitioned to workers through the PGWP program last year. Until the end of 2023, international students holding a valid study permit can now work an unlimited number of hours during school semesters additionally.
With more freedom than is granted in other countries, the policy change allows students to support themselves under their current status, enabling them additionally to gain footholds in the labour market of Canada during their educational years.
Cost
Better conversations with international currency than its counterparts are yielded by the more favourable exchange rate of the Canadian dollar. This means international students can obtain post-secondary schooling at a lesser price than in many countries with a comparable education level like the UK or the US.
Depending on the institution, province, and study program, the average cost of undergraduate education in Canada is between $ 20,000 and $ 40,000 CAD. Multiple financial aid programs are offered by Canada additionally, easing financial stresses further.
Possibilities of Post-Graduation Immigration
International students are provided with options to permanently settle in Canada. Canada is one of the few countries to do that. One of the best ways to increase one’s eligibility for migration is to pursue a Canadian education.
It usually involves obtaining a PGWP and acquiring the minimum necessary eligible full-time work experience, to convert a student to an immigrant. Students can apply for permanent residence through one of the immigration programs in Canada. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the specific stream that is created within the Express Entry with such individuals in mind.
The transition from PGWP to permanent residence of 53,725 people was seen last year, speaking to both the attainability and popularity of immigration for international students who want a transition from their current status to a permanent Canadian resident.