Growing Impact - Post-secondary International Students in Toronto (2018)

What is this research about?

Approximately one-fourth of Canada’s international students study in Toronto, and their presence adds to existing diversity on campuses and in communities. This report documents international student trends and to better understand their impact on Toronto’s economic, social and post-secondary educational infrastructure.

What did the researchers find?

Major findings: The educational, economic and social contributions of international students to Toronto’s postsecondary institutions and to Toronto are well documented. However, "several challenges were identified in this research that are holding these students back precisely at the time when many are making decisions about their futures and looking to contribute to the societies in which they live."

• the federal government recognizes the value of international students as future permanent residents, but the policies and supports to enable this transition have been slow to emerge.
• employment and immigration policies faced by graduating international students are among the most complicated of any group of immigrants to Canada, with frequent changes and limited resources available to students and recent graduates.
• responsibility for international students falls under different jurisdictions at different points in their journeys... there is no single ministry or agency responsible for international students, and as such the presence of intergovernmental, cross-sectoral collaboration and partnerships is key to meeting the needs of this group.

The researchers suggest a number of responses to the trends and challenges outlined in this report and identify actions during three key phases - During Study, Post Graduation, and Transition to Permanent Residence - that could be takento increase the chances of successful transition among international students.