Study in Canada: Who can apply for Student Direct Stream and Post-Graduation Work Permit? – Investing Abroad News

Indian students account for 39.5% of the overall international student population in Canada as of December 31, 2022. Given that Indian students account for 40% of international student enrolment in Canada and contribute around CAD 10 billion to the Canadian education sector each year.

As of December 31, 2022, there were 319,130 Indian students enrolled at Canadian universities. Of them, about 209,930 were pursuing undergraduate degrees, 80,270 were seeking postgraduate degrees, and 28,930 were studying diplomas or certificate programs, according to a CARE Ratings EDGE report.

The Canadian government has proactively introduced various initiatives to attract foreign students including Indian students.

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Notably, in 2022, Canada launched the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a fast-track visa processing program designed for students hailing from India, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam amongst others. One should have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution, proof of paid tuition fee for the first year of study, and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000 amongst other conditions.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Furthermore, the Canadian government unveiled the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Extension program in April 2023, allowing international students to extend their stay in Canada for up to three years after graduation.

Students who have graduated from qualified Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) may apply for an open work permit through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program in order to receive useful Canadian job experience.

Graduates of the PGWP Program who have obtained skilled work experience in Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 may be eligible for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class of Express Entry.

Overseas students in Canada

International students contribute significantly and positively to the Canadian economy in a variety of ways. This includes their contribution in the form of tuition fees for Canadian schools and universities, as well as living expenditures like as food, lodging, and transportation. overseas students have a significant financial impact on the Canadian economy, as tuition fees for overseas students are often two to three times that of domestic students.

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) research, overseas students contributed a significant CAD 22.3 billion to the Canadian economy in 2022, with Indian students contributing an anticipated CAD 10.2 billion.