Canada Broke a Record- Issued 450,000 Study Permits in 2021

In 2021, Canada broke yet another record by welcoming 450,000 international students via its Study Permit program.

Significant ease in Canada's travel restrictions for international students helped the nation recover and welcome record-breaking levels of new students around the globe.

Another key contributor was easing the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules by IRCC. Before the pandemic, distance learning was not counted towards PGWP eligibility. However, the IRCC temporarily relaxed the policy until August 31, 2022. Those who graduate outside Canada and meet the eligibility criteria as per temporary PGWP policy changes can apply for PGWP.

Those international students who complete their studies at a Canadian DLI, even from outside Canada, can obtain a PGWP and work for any Canadian employer to gain relevant work experience. This will eventually open their path to Canadian permanent residency.

Leading International Student Source Countries

Again India was the leading beneficiary, with 217,410 study permits issued to Indian nationals. China stood second, receiving over 105,265 study permits.

Here are the top ten countries as Canada's leading source of international students:

As of December 31, 2021, Canada had approximately 622,000 international students. However, Canada's international student population was around 640,000 in 2019, but the pandemic caused a slight fall of about 530,000 in the overall international students' population in 2020.

What is a Canadian Study Permit?

A Canadian student visa or a study permit is a document issued by the immigration authority of Canada. It serves as permission for all international students who wish to pursue a long-term study program in Canada.

To qualify for a study permit, you must:

• Enrol in a Canadian DIL, i.e., Designated Learning Institutions
• Obtain a letter of acceptance for a Canadian college approved under a DLI
• Show adequate proof of funds to pay your course fee, travel expenses and living expenses
• Submit a police certificate to prove that you don't have any criminal record in the past
• Undergo a health examination and submit a medical certificate
• Clearly state your intentions to leave Canada after the completion of your course

If you have plans to study abroad in Canada but are not sure from where to start, Visas Avenue can provide you with the proper guidance and support.

We have a team of highly experienced education counsellors and visa advisors who deliver vital services to those clients who aspire to become international students in Canada by obtaining a Canadian Student Visa.

You may reach us on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or drop an email at info@visasavenue.com. Alternatively, you may fill out a free student assessment form, and one of our representatives will call you shortly to discuss your options.

- Rajneesh Kumar