The Welcome Mat is out for Foreign Students – And They are Being Asked to Stay After Class

CIC News
Published: October 1, 2006

Canada is targeting foreign students at Canadian universities as a significant part of its economic strategy.

With the number of Canadians entering the labour force declining for the first time during a period when the country is not in recession, Canada is making a concerted pitch towards growing its international student population – and getting them to stay and work here when they graduate. With the language skills and the education a given, international students have the tools to succeed in Canada. To encourage them to do so, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is shifting its policies to make things easier for students to work while they study, and to join the workforce full-time when they are finished.

Until recently, international students only had permission to work on campus. While universities have made efforts to ensure opportunities are available, the nature of this restriction has limited the opportunities of students to gain the experience to compliment their education. Recent changes to the regulations however allow foreign students who hold study permits to apply for an off-campus work permit. The new rules will allow most students to qualify for employment outside of their campus.

Also shifting are guidelines about hiring foreign students after they graduate. Under new Service Canada (the new federal combined government services agency which includes human resources) operational guidelines, employers can get exemptions from demonstrating recruitment efforts for Canadians if they are wishing to hire foreign graduates. The new guidelines acknowledge the need to facilitate the hiring of these skilled workers and ease their permanent stay in Canada.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
Can I travel outside of Canada as a temporary resident?
Ontario announces distribution of allocation for international study permits in 2024
Canada to introduce a Renters Bill of Rights
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Can I travel outside of Canada as a temporary resident?
male traveler taking selfie portrait on the hill with mount assiniboine in national park at BC, Canada
Canada to introduce a Renters Bill of Rights
Clearing up three common misconceptions about immigrating to Canada
Debunking common myths about immigrating to Canada.
IRCC issues ITAs to Express Entry candidates in second draw this week
IRCC has held another round of invitations for Express Entry candidates
Link copied to clipboard