The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and the British Columbia Ministry are scrutinizing their international student programs following the release of new research.
The study, which surveyed over 1,300 BC international students, has prompted the authorities to assess the effectiveness of their programs and their impact on students’ future employment prospects, as per Financial Express report.
The survey indicated that many international students in BC find that their Canadian education has minimal impact on their job prospects. Furthermore, they often end up in jobs unrelated to their field of study, especially in a province known for low rates of granting permanent residency.
The research also revealed that 42 percent of the respondents used the services of international immigration consultants to apply for a study permit. This has led to calls for post-secondary institutions to sever connections with profit-driven actors.
However, institutions like the University of British Columbia, which has the largest student population in BC, do not employ international immigration consultants but provide career counselors available to all students.
The IRCC and the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills have been asked whether they plan to implement the key recommendations from this groundbreaking report.
The recommendations include curbing the use of profit-oriented immigration consultants, offering career counseling and tailored resources for international students, and simplifying the path to PR 1.
However, the IRCC has not provided specific answers to these questions and has merely restated the current rules for international students.
The department did mention in a statement that they are currently reviewing the International Student Program.
The review aims to bolster the program’s integrity, protect international students, and modernize the program to better select and retain students that meet Canada’s economic and social-cultural goals.
The BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills is also reviewing its policies and guidelines in response to the questionable recruitment methods used by immigration consultants. However, the ministry has not provided a timeline or any additional information about the review procedure.
Raghwa Gopal, CEO of education management company M Square Media, stressed the need for immediate action in response to the research findings. He emphasized the importance of educational institutions and immigration policies working together to enable international students to leverage their Canadian education for enhanced job opportunities.
“The fact that many students are resorting to immigration consultants implies a need for more direct and clear guidance from institutions themselves. It is crucial that we prioritize creating a supportive environment for these students,” he said.
“As we look forward, it’s essential that we continue to scrutinize and refine our programs. We need to ensure they are not only beneficial for the students but also align with Canada’s broader economic and cultural objectives.”
The number of international students holding valid study permits reached a record-breaking high, with 807,750 students as of the end of 2022.
