Canada invited 450,000 new international students in 2021; Indian students comprised half of the list

Canada's international student population recovered rapidly during the pandemic.

The top 5 international student source countries (as of December 31, 2021) were:

• India: 217,410
• China: 105,265
• France: 26,630
• Iran: 16,900
• Vietnam: 16,285

Canada saw nearly  450,000 new study permits last year, a staggering number that soon broke a historical record in 2019.

Before the pandemic in Canada, more than 400,000 new study permits entered into force before their number dropped to more than 255,000 by 2020. Last year's total number doubled compared to 2015.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) effectively publishes data on new study permits each month. These are new students coming to Canada and foreign nationals already living in Canada who have successfully obtained a study permit.

Not surprisingly, between July and August, the most recent study permits came into force, more than 200,000 in total, before the start of the 2021/22 academic year.

Removal of coronavirus curbs is a significant factor in the growing numbers. Another benefit is likely to be the repeal of the Canadian Postgraduate Permit (PGWP) rules. Before the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) pandemic, did not allow distance learning to count towards PGWP eligibility. Still, they have temporarily relaxed this policy until August 31, 2022, to help those who want to continue their Canadian education approaches amid the pandemic.

International students who have completed their studies at a designated Canadian educational institute are eligible to receive a PGWP. PGWP provides international graduates with work experience in Canada who must always be qualified to apply for permanent residence.

The primary step to study in Canada is to research the educational programs and the IDD. Then submit your questions to the IDD and, if approved, get a Letter of Acceptance. You can go ahead and submit a study permit request to IRCC with the LOA. IRCC will consider factors such as proof that you have an open interest in studying in Canada and the financial resources to support your studies and living expenses. 

IRCC also offers the Student Direct Stream (SDS), an accelerated study authorization pathway to residents of 14 nations, the largest of which are India, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam, Morocco, Senegal, Brazil, Colombia and Peru.