Canada is actively reevaluating the issuance of long-term visas to international students as part of a strategic effort to control immigration and address population growth challenges. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Immigration Minister Marc Miller highlighted the need to align labor market demand with the intake of international students.
Reevaluating Study Visas
Historically, Canada has attracted educated, working-age immigrants through its universities and colleges. However, Miller clarified that study visas should not be seen as a guarantee of future residency or citizenship: that should never be the promise. He further said, “People should be coming here to educate themselves and perhaps go home and bring those skills back to their country”.
Misconceptions and Reality
Ajay Sharma, an immigration consultant and founder of Abhinav Immigration Services, pointed out a common misconception: “There is a misconception that studying in Canada guarantees permanent residency. Minister Miller aims to dispel this notion.” This trend is also observed in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. “The message is clear: studying in these countries does not automatically lead to permanent residency,” Sharma emphasized.
Strategic Course Selection
For Indian students aspiring to study in Canada, it is crucial to understand that not all courses will lead to permanent residency. Choosing programs that align with Canada’s future job market demands is essential. “Most students going to Canada opt for general courses like BBA and MBAs. However, Canada needs more students in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—as well as trades, to meet future job demands,” Sharma explained.
In-Demand Fields and Job Prospects
Students with the right education, experience, or certifications can find opportunities in various high-demand fields such as science, law, health, education, commerce, and communications. According to the Canada immigration website, the top ten jobs in Canada include:
- Medical Anesthesiologist – Administers drugs to prevent pain during surgery and ensures patient’s well-being throughout the process. The average annual salary of a medical Anesthesiologist in Canada is $391,568.
- Cardiologist – Works in medical institutions, assesses new patients, diagnoses conditions, designs treatment plans, and provides ongoing care. The Average annual salary is $386,757.
- Surgeon – Operates on patients, diagnoses surgical needs, creates treatment plans, and researches new techniques. The Average annual salary is $378,634.
- Psychiatrist – Assesses, diagnoses, and treats psychiatric patients through comprehensive evaluations. The Average annual salary is $333,976.
- Orthodontist – Specializes in orthodontic treatment after additional university education. The Average annual salary is $269,126.
- Financial Controller – Leads the accounting team, manages financial statements, payroll, budgets, and tax compliance. The Average annual salary is $207,155.
- Cloud Architect – Oversees a company’s cloud computing strategy, including adoption plans and application design. The Average annual salary is $147,474.
- Software Engineering Manager – Leads software development projects, ensuring applications meet required standards. The Average annual salary is $143,044.
- Data Scientist – Collects, cleans, and validates data using technical expertise. The Average annual salary is $134,960.
- Corporate Lawyer – Manages laws governing corporate activities under Canadian federal or provincial laws. The Average annual salary is $109,631.
Challenges Facing Prime Minister Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces growing pressure due to the rising cost of living, intense competition for housing, and higher unemployment rates. This year, Canada imposed a cap on the number of international student’s visas, projecting fewer than 300,000 new permits compared to about 437,000 last year. Officials are now focusing on which students should remain in Canada after their studies.
Increasing Visa Numbers and Policy Changes
Government data shows a significant increase in post-graduate work permit (PGWP) holders, with 132,000 new holders in 2022, a 78% rise from four years earlier. Changes to immigration policy will require input from both governments and businesses.
The Canadian Dream Reality Check
Despite record-high immigration levels, many new immigrants are leaving Canada due to the high cost of living, potentially harming Canada’s reputation as a welcoming place for newcomers. A report by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship highlighted a decline in the number of permanent residents becoming citizens, with statistics showing that it declined from 75% in 2001 to 45% in 2021. Daniel Bernhard, CEO of ICC, warned, “If Canada cannot deliver for newcomers and help them become Canadian in their passports and in their hearts, we may soon be discussing our prosperity in the past tense.”
Canada offers numerous opportunities for prospective international students, but it should be noted that studying in Canada does not guarantee permanent residency. Making informed decisions about course selection and career paths aligned with Canada’s job market can enhance their chances of a successful future in the country.
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