In the year 2017, an unprecedented number of Indian students have chosen to move to Canada for their higher education. By this, not only did the application rates in Canadian Universities have increased in this academic year but also has strengthened the immigration ties between India and Canada. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), in the next 10 years, a half million of international students, not only from India but from nations worldwide would be studying and living in this Maple country.

To an amazement, many students of the previous year who moved to Canada for their higher education and were expected to return to their home country after their course of study, have changed their minds, applied for new visas and expressed interest settle in Canada. CBIE found that from 2008 to 2016, the number of students staying back in Canada after their course of education has doubled. In the year 2008, approximately 128,000 students moved to Canada on study permit. By the end of 2016 the figure has tremendously increased to more than 400,000; which indeed signifies the growing preference of Canada among students.

It’s a no doubt that that reasons like the vibrant lifestyle the city offers, the humble attitude of people, the multi-cultural diversity the country offers makes the place to be home alike. But, when surveyed, students marked the Canadian Permanent Residency as the major reason of why they wanted to stay back in Canada; highlighting the following aspects of Canada PR that attracted them the most.

1. Improved Immigration Process- The country has a straightforward process of immigration, most students said.

With the recent changes make to the Express Entry System of Canada, the economic immigration has become more straightforward for applicants, especially for students with international education. The system, more than being focused on a need of a job emphasis on the quality of the applicant’s education, his/her language skills and the work experience gained. Moreover, the recent announcement of applicants getting additional 15-30 points for Canadian Post-Secondary education which eventually eases the process of obtaining a Permanent Residency became a godsend.

2. Post Graduate Work Program- After that high-quality education, students are striving for that globally recognized work experience

Working in Canada is easy with international education. Thanks to the Post Graduate Work Program that makes it easier, said many students. Certainly, this program is no less than master key for students to unlock their permanent home in Canada. A graduate in Canada can immediately apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit and work for any employer. Since employers too won’t be required to obtain an LMIA to hire this candidate, it proves the simplest method for both to fulfill their purpose. Also, this program allows the privilege to take up any higher courses while working for Canadian employers.

In a nutshell, the work experience upon an extra degree will bet sure chances for Canadian permanent residency.

3. Canadian Experience Class- A key to a faster permanent residency upon gaining Canadian work experience

For Canadian students with Canadian work experience, Canada Express Entry has an exclusive program- the Canadian Express Class. Through this program, any student with min. 1 yr of Canadian work experience (either part-time or full-time) in the past 3 yrs, can file for Canada PR and gain permanent residency within the least span of time. Moreover, if this candidate has Canadian education to show up, it instantly boosts his points and grants him with a quicker PR.

Taking into account this unique CEC program interlinked with quicker Canadian PR, many Indian students have chosen to stay back in Canada, gain work experience and invite their families for a permanent stay upon PR success.

Well, while these are the major aspects that students migrate to Canada and stay back permanently, the story does not end here. In today’s time, majority of students opt to settle in Canada than in the United States (which was once considered the most chosen nation for higher education). According to the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers, the number of students showing in American Universities has dropped by 39 percent in one year whereas Canada has experienced a vast increase in the number of students applying for international education. The Canadian University and the University of Toronto have witnessed over 20 percent increase in overseas student applications while University of Wilfrid Laurier and McMaster University have reported an increase of 30 percent in student applicants.

When surveyed, the following reasons have been found that contribute to the shift of students in preferring Canada over the United States:

· Change of Ministry

· Visa barriers and restrictions

· Increased cost of education

· Improved Canada immigration factors for students

· Urge of Canada invite as many as 450,00 students by 2022

· Competitive employment

· Canada’s healthcare system over US healthcare system

Summing up, today Canada has gained the tremendous power to give wings to a student’s dream. If you too have dreams to settle in Canada on a long term or give your career the touch of Canadian education, come; we will help.