International Student in Canada – Paid work integrated learning (WIL) is one key element

There are more international students in Canada than ever. Many experience challenges along the path of getting their education, applying for jobs and securing permanent residency status in Canada. Policymakers and educational institutions can take steps to improve the likelihood of success following graduation and to protect students from exploitation. Paid work integrated learning (WIL) is one key element, as I explored in my recent C.D. Howe Institute study of the field.

There were a total of 807,750 study permit holders as of the end of 2022, with 549,815 permits issued last year, up 24 percent over 2021. More than half the 2022 permits were for Ontario schools (52 percent), followed by institutions in BC (20 percent).  More students come from India and China than the rest of the world combined, with Indian student visas outnumbering Chinese student visas more than 4:1.

Many international students work and contribute to the economy during their studies. Labour participation of international college students increased from 7 percent in 2000 to 57 percent by 2018. Ottawa just temporarily lifted the 20-hour-per-week restriction for eligible international students until the end of this year. Meanwhile, international students who work during their studies are three times as likely to become landed immigrants compared to those who did not work.

Work integrated learning (WIL) experiences can help to manage the challenges of the limited time and financial resources. Alternating periods of study with relevant work experience can help alleviate financial hardship, prepare students for their chosen career paths and inform them of the various options following graduation. WIL participation is associated with a higher likelihood that a graduate’s first job will be highly related to student’s field of study.

At the same time, however, many students also report they were not paid during their WIL experiences (4 out of 5 college graduates and 3 out of 5 university graduates). This is particularly concerning for fields of study where WIL is mandatory, such as education and health.

In addition, expanding the number and quality of WIL opportunities for postsecondary students could improve labour market outcomes of graduates and increase the likelihood of international students settling permanently in Canada.

Source: Rosalie Wyonch – Smooth Transitions: Boosting International Student Work Success | C.D. Howe Institute | Canada Economy News | Canadian Government Policy