By Abidemi Samuel
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In a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policies, the country has closed the pathway for international students to convert their study permits into permanent residency. This new regulation requires international students to return to their home countries upon the expiration of their study visas in Canada.
Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller, confirmed this development, emphasizing that there are no guarantees for international students to become permanent residents. Miller highlighted the distinction between study permits and resident permits, stating that while students have the right to protest, the priority of Canada’s immigration policies is to maintain balance and order in the system.
Impact on International Students
This policy change will undoubtedly affect international students who had planned to transition to permanent residency after completing their studies in Canada. The termination of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program and the halt on asylum claims tied to such immigration pathways will further limit options for international students.
Alternative Pathways to Permanent Residency
While this policy change may seem daunting, there are still alternative pathways for international students to pursue permanent residency in Canada. Some of these options include:
Canadian Experience Class: This program requires applicants to have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience in Canada within the previous three years.
Federal Skilled Worker Program: This program requires applicants to have a minimum of 12 months of full-time, continuous, skilled work experience, completed in any country .
Provincial Nominee Programs: Each of Canada’s provinces and territories operates its own immigration programs, which may give preference to applicants who have some kind of connection to the province.
Quebec Immigration Options: The province of Quebec operates its own immigration system, with requirements and procedures different from the rest of Canada.
Next Steps for International Students
International students affected by this policy change should explore alternative pathways to permanent residency and seek guidance from immigration experts. It’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements and application processes for each program to determine the best course of action.
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