Canada’s international students continue to stay in the provinces where they first receive their study permits. The latest study by the Conference Board of Canada revealed that international students choose to remain in the same province for their next level of study or work where they received their study permit.
Furthermore, the Conference Board of Canada states that the provincial government can take a few more initiatives to retain international students in provinces and territories. However, they are already partially successful in their objectives. This board works as a non-profit organization that evaluates the current economic patterns, the performance level of organizations, and public policy challenges.
Canada’s international students- the location where they settle after their study permit’s expiry
Generally, international students tend to remain in the country after their first study permit expires. Interestingly, more than 60 percent of them choose to remain in the same province or territory where they chose to study.
Around 85 percent of the retention rate of international students is seen in Quebec, the maximum among other provinces. On the other hand, 80 percent of the retention rate exists in Manitoba and Alberta.
Reportedly, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland, and Labrador observed retention rates between 70 and 80 percent.
Lastly, the two remaining Canadian provinces, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, and three other Canadian territories, displayed retention rates between 60 and 70 percent a year later. Approximately 75 percent of students remained in their province or territory to pursue further education.
Location of international students after three years of their study permit’s expiry
Another conclusion emerged from analyzing the location from where the international students filed for their taxes. This analysis further proved that students even after three years of their work permit expiry remained in the same province or territory.
This implies that international students who stayed in Canada through employment even after three years passed from their first study permit’s expiry. Factually, except for the Atlantic provinces, such as PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland, and Labrador, over 50 percent of them stay either in the province or in the territory.
Additionally, Quebec and Alberta observed the highest retention rates after one-year and even after three years.
Suggestions for improving retention rates among intra-provinces or territories
The Conference Board of Canada suggested that if a post-secondary system of education syncs both skill development and labor market requirements, it will more likely increase the retention rate. Another effective measure would be to provide more provincial funding through post-secondary institutions to improve the quality of education.
Moreover, initiatives such as allocating more positions in Provincial Nominee Programs to international students on a larger scale would make them stay in the provinces. Apart from this, supporting them with settlement services would also help retain Canada’s international students for higher studies.
