Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney has announced that Canada will substantially increase its foreign student targets in 2009.

Canada welcomed nearly 80,000 foreign students in 2008, the highest number seen in the past ten years.  However, it is not high enough for Minister Kenney, comparing Canada to Australia which brings in ten times more students from India.

“Canada is looking to Asia as well as India for potential students,” said Minister Kenney.

He has not yet elaborated on specific targets, but has been noting the advantages of foreign students and the reasons why the increase is justified.  They have the chance, while studying, to get familiar with Canada’s labour market and put themselves on a “much faster pathway to immigration” through the recently establish Canadian Experience Class.

“We like the Canadian Experience Class because [it attracts] young people who have done a degree in Canada, have improved their language skills, have already done most of the hard work towards economic integration, and don’t have any foreign credential hurdles to overcome,” stated Minister Kenney.  “These are perfect candidates for Permanent Residence and economic migrants to Canada.”

Increased promotional efforts overseas by Canadian academic institutions along with changes to immigration regulations over the past several years have made Canada a more attractive destination for individuals looking to study abroad.

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