The latest immigration.ca livestream focuses on international students and international graduates, and how they are a key part of Canada’s long-term immigration strategy.

Immigration lawyer Colin Singer reviews the federal and provincial programs that are on offered including the most popular program in Quebec.

Here are some of the key elements of the latest livestream video:

Singer Discussing Canada’s International Graduate Strategy

“It is surprising that it has taken this long for policymakers to identify and devise an important component to our immigration program. Studies have long shown that individuals with strong ties to Canada have the best chances for long term success. People who have a history here, who learned the language have the highest rates of employment. So, it’s remarkable that it has taken this long for current policies to be put into gear.”

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Watch the Latest Livestream Here:

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Singer on Why High Schools, Colleges and Universities Like International Students

“International students are the focus of colleges and universities in Canada, and high schools as well. There’s a lot of push for schools in Canada to go after international students.

“They pay much higher fees, more than double what Canadians pay. One of the screening factors you need to look at is ‘can you afford to be an international student?’ Generally, we tell clients they need to have $25,000 per year to be able to become a post-secondary student in Canada.”

Singer on Federal Level International Graduate Policy

“At the federal level, the government has allocated 15 points of 30 points under the Express Entry system, depending on the duration of post-secondary study. In terms of permanent residence, there is no specific federal program. Instead, they allocate a significant number of Comprehensive Ranking System points.”

Singer on The Atlantic Immigration Pilot

“The Atlantic Immigration Pilot covers the four Atlantic provinces. There is a total of 2,000 spots a year covering the four provinces, including skilled workers.  So, there are not that many openings for international graduates.”

Singer on Provincial International Graduate Options

“All of the provinces have their own international graduate programs with varying requirements, whether it’s British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or one of the others. You can access a chart comparing all of the programs here.

“Most of these programs require a job offer and a post-graduate work permit. In Ontario you don’t need a job offer if you’re graduating from a Masters program or a PhD program.”

Singer on Quebec’s International Graduate Options

“By far the best and largest program is Quebec. Firstly, there’s no requirement for a job offer. Then, the education requirement is less onerous. You can be graduating from a college program, or a number of approved diploma programs.

“The catch with Quebec is you need to be studying in French, or you need to be in an English program and successfully complete a separate stream of French courses.

“For an international student who does not speak French, the option is to enrol in a full-time course of study and parallel to that enrol in government-approved French courses. By passing those courses, you would be exempt from the French language test, for which the standard is higher at advanced-intermediate. A number of our clients are following this path.

“Quebec also has the biggest quota for permanent residence under its programs. If you are an international student considering your options for Canada permanent residence, it is certainly worth considering Quebec.”

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Canada Offers International Graduates Attractive Pathway to Permanent Immigration