Changes to Express Entry system will attract global talent to Canada

November 14, 2016

News

OTTAWA – Canada’s universities welcome changes to the Express Entry system which will make it easier for international students, researchers and academics to become permanent residents to Canada, and enhance our reputation as a welcoming and diverse nation.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced today via news release that, effective November 19, the Express Entry system will award points to international students who completed their studies in Canada. Points will now also be awarded for job offers to eligible candidates already in Canada on Labour Market Impact Assessment exempt work permits, a welcome change that will recognize the strong applications from candidates such as foreign faculty at Canadian universities.

In order to better compete in today’s global knowledge economy, Canada needs to attract and retain more highly skilled, resourceful and entrepreneurial people from abroad. Facilitating the flow of top global talent to our country is integral to the government’s Global Skills Strategy and to ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic prosperity for all Canadians.

“Attracting and retaining the world’s brightest minds is essential to advancing Canada’s economic growth and innovation agenda,” says Paul Davidson, president of Universities Canada. “These changes to the Express Entry system send a clear signal to the world and will make Canada’s universities a global magnet for international talent. We thank Minister McCallum for his leadership. ”

Canada is a top destination of choice for international students; in 2015, there were 96,000 full-time international students enrolled in undergraduate programs on Canadian university campuses. International students currently contribute $11 billion annually to the Canadian economy – more than the export of softwood lumber or wheat.

International students and faculty also bring new perspectives, languages and cultures to campuses, towns and cities across the country which enhance the learning environment for all students and contribute to deeper intercultural exchange within communities.

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About Universities Canada
Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.

Media contact:

Lisa Wallace
Assistant Director, Communications
Universities Canada
[email protected]

Tagged:  Global connections, Study abroad