International students choose Canada not only to study, but also to immigrate after graduation.
The report by Statistics Canada shows that economic principal applicants with Canadian study experience earn more than those who did not study in Canada during their first two years after immigration. However, there are notable differences between foreign students to Canada who have studied for two years or less and those who have studied for three or more years.
The latter group has earned significantly more when compared to the former group. The government of Canada reports that more than 58,000 graduates successfully applied to immigrate permanently in 2019, and their decision to stay in Canada will help address the demographic challenges".
As a result, international students in Canada can work while they study and obtain a post-graduation work permit to gain work experience in Canada after they graduate. Also, they may be eligible for permanent residency through one of the several economic class immigration streams.
As part of the Canadian labour market, international students are increasingly being tapped as a source of skilled workers. According to a recent Canadian government news release, international students bring "strong employment and language skills, backed by their Canadian education and work experience, which makes them ideally suited to becoming permanent residents."