Breaking yet another record, Canada issued 450,000 study permits to international students in the year 2021 under its Study Permit Program. This number has doubled since 2015. With this staggering figure, Canada also broke its previous record of 2019.
Canada is one of the most sought after study abroad destinations by Indian students. At 217,410 permits, India received the highest number of study permits, with China following at 105,265 permits.
In 2020, Canada issued just over 255,000 study permits due to the pandemic. Several travel restrictions were introduced by Canada in March 2020 which eventually affected several incoming international students. From 640,000 in 2019, the population of international students in Canada had fallen to 530,000 in 2020. As of December 2021, Canada has an international student population of 622,000. The rebound issue of 450,000 study permits is largely credited to the lifting of covid-19 curbs.
Year-wise international student population in Canada
The easing of Post-Graduation Work Permit is another thing that factors in contributing to the large number of study permits issued. 2021 saw a double cohort of international students coming to Canada-those who could not come in 2020 as well as those who began their education in 2021. Prior to the pandemic, international students pursuing distance learning programs were not eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit or PGWP under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC). But this provision has been relaxed until 31 August 2022, to let the students continue with their study plans in Canada despite the pandemic.
After completing their studies at designated Canadian learning institutions, international students are eligible to get a PGWP. Under the PGWP, international graduate students can get the Canadian work experience they require to be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
As of 31 December 2021, the top 5 countries with the highest number of international student sources in Canada are:-
- India: 217,410
- China: 105,265
- France: 26,630
- Iran: 16,900
- Vietnam: 16,285
Canada is popular among international students not only for its affordable, high-quality education but also for its high standard of living, immigrant-friendly policies, multicultural environment, peace and security. If you too are looking for education opportunities in Canada, Jamboree is here for you! Book a free fifteen-minute session with our counselor.
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