The number of Brazilian students visiting Canada has been increasing every year. Brazil represents around 2.5% of the international student’s population according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education – CBIE but it is one of the fastest to grow its numbers every year.

Brazilians see Canada as top study destination, but the decision to come and study in Canada is related to factors like the Canadian society, which is tolerant and not discriminatory, the strong reputation of Canada’s education system, country’s safety, the positive attitude towards international students and the position of Canadian educational institutions in international rankings.

However, there are a couple other reasons that come into play.
One of them is the increase in efforts from the Canadian government to maintain students here and get them to apply for permanent residence.

As the country has an ambitious plan to welcome nearly one million immigrants over the next three years, students are in an excellent position to develop their career in Canada and stay permanently. The general goal of the federal government is to bring Canada’s immigration to nearly one percent of the population by 2020.

International graduates may get a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies, giving them the opportunity to work in Canada for any employer. The work experience acquired while on a post-graduation work permit will significantly contribute towards an international graduate’s eligibility for federal and provincial permanent immigration programs. The success of this program is demonstrated in numbers. More than 30,000 former study permit holders became permanent residents in 2016, the majority of economic immigrants programs, like federal skilled workers, Canadian experience class or provincial nominees.

Another attractive point for Brazilians is the possibility to work part-time while a full-time student, enrolled in a program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate for at least 6 months long. It allows Brazilians students to improve their English skills and help them to support their studies.

In addition, spouses or common-law partners of full-time students are eligible for open work permits, depending on certain conditions. Couples or young families can live in Canada as temporary residents and make sure they would adapt to the country, its culture, climate and labour market among everything else before considering a definitive move to permanent residency.

With all these attractions, the number of Brazilian students in Canada will certainly continue to increase.

Originally posted at http://www.resideglobally.com on January 25th, 2018