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Canada has always been famous as an attractive destination for international students thanks to its quality education system and many open immigration policies for international students. In 2022, Canada welcomed more than 500,000 international students to study and live in the country, and this number has quadrupled since 2000.
In addition, international students always receive absolute support when studying in this country. According to Canadian Government regulations, students can work part-time throughout their studies. After graduation, you are fully eligible for a work stay permit for up to 3 years, and priority is always given if you want to apply for permanent residency.
The federal and provincial governments in Canada are also united in implementing policies to improve international student retention. As a result, the number of Canadian students who tend to stay after graduation as permanent residents is increasing every year.
According to the reports provided, policies to encourage international students to stay are put in place by both the Conservative and Liberal parties, 40% of all economically class immigrants accepted by the federal government are now international students who have graduated from colleges or universities in Canada.
Besides, reports from Statistics Canada also show that international alumni in Canada are paid more than other immigrants. This advantage is largely based on the work experience gained while working in Canada during their studies and after graduation, which will provide certain advantages over workers with university degrees abroad.
Larissa Bezo, interim head of the Canadian Bureau of International Education, said: "International students are always encouraged and create all conditions to integrate into Canadian society. Once students get used to life and the learning environment in Canada, they can speak one or both of the official languages and easily build relationships and networks in Canada and their home country."
Join IDP to discover the top 5 reasons why studying in Canada is the best option to have a high chance of settling down in the future.
The opportunity to obtain a Post-graduate Work Permit is one of the most common reasons why international students choose Canada as their study destination. According to the Canadian Government's website, the validity of a work permit after graduation will depend on the duration of the study program.
However, be aware that if your program of study is shorter than 8 months, you will not be eligible for a work permit. If you have always had a desire to work here after graduation, you must apply for a second additional program to extend your studies and be eligible to work in Canada.
For programs longer than 8 months but shorter than 2 years, the PGWP will be issued for the same duration as the program of study (For example, if you have completed a 9-month program, a work permit may be issued for a maximum duration of 9 months).
Therefore, an ideal option for international students in Canada is: choose a program that lasts more than 2 years. If your program of study is shorter than 8-12 months, immediately apply for another degree that lasts for about 1-3 years. In both cases, you will receive a work permit that allows you to stay for 3 years after graduation.
Note: Once you have received your PGWP after completing your first course of study, you will not be able to receive your PGWP after completing your next course of study. Therefore, having a clear study plan and choosing the right program is key to making the most of the opportunities and offers available to international students.
The Canadian government allows international students to gain work experience as long as you demonstrate that you have sufficient study permits and are enrolled full-time at a designated school or educational institution (DLI). Current regulations allow students to work on and off campus without a work permit.
For international students who choose part-time jobs during the study abroad process, this will help you increase your self-worth through the experience accumulated in the working process as well as the creative thinking learned day by day. In addition to developing a professional network and experiencing cultural values in the working environment, students also accumulate additional income to help alleviate some of the cost of living.
Once you have time to experience the work and pocket practical experience, you will be equipped with more confidence and easily impress employers.
In order to be able to work off-campus, you need to check your study permit. Once you meet the requirements, you can work up to 20 hours/week during your studies and unlimited during holidays. For those who wish to participate in student co-op programs or internships, contact the international student office and/or program advisor for assistance during the application process.
There are various pathways that international students can apply for permanent residence in Canada. The most popular of these is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which was launched in 2008.
Express Entry is a Canadian immigration study program for working individuals with high skills, minimum work experience, education and IELTS certificates, and a number of other skills to help them adapt to life as well as develop the Canadian economy.
It is an immigration program administered by the provinces and territories of Canada. Each province will specify different criteria to select the most suitable individual and meet all the needs of the local labor market. From there, the applicant will be granted permanent residency (PR) based on the program of the respective province.
For the province of Saskatchewan, you can participate in the Saskatchewan Experience Category program for students who have graduated from post-secondary school. One of the conditions for applying for permanent residency is that you must make sure to receive a full-time job offer from an employer approved by the province of Saskatchewan.
Once you have completed all the applications and conditions, you or the employer will need to apply on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) website for approval. The provincial government will send you a letter
A high quality of life, and friendly people combined with a multicultural environment, are the plus points that attract international students to choose to study in Canada.
If you want to improve your language skills and get acquainted with the country's culture and lifestyle, you can interact and get to know the locals. In addition, participating in campus and community events is also a way to make it easier for you to make new friends.
In short, international students are fully entitled to benefits and incentives to help improve their chances of immigrating to Canada in the future. Once you've made serious plans for your future studies, why not try and look for opportunities to settle in Canada in the near future?
IDP's counselors are always available to advise you on choosing the right school and course, assisting you in applying for admission, and tracking your progress until you receive a confirmation letter from the school.
Besides, you can participate in seminars or Study Abroad Day organized by IDP to meet directly with school representatives and review on-site academic records. IDP is always proactive in helping you Hunt for Canadian Scholarship Programs valued 30% - 100% of tuition fees, practice interviews, complete applications for a UK student visa, and equip yourself with knowledge before going to study abroad.
Contact IDP to get started studying in Canada Counseling today!
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