Student group says attracting more international students is positive but fairness is crucial

CASA is pushing for employment opportunities and improved visa processing that will be needed for improved international recruitment

“Increasing international enrolment is positive but government policies need to reflect the hospitality Canadians are known for if these investments are going to pay off,” said Jonathan Champagne, National Director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA). “Current study permit policies and off-campus employment restrictions hurt many international students with less financial means.”
At present, international students studying part-time in Canada do not qualify to work off-campus. This makes it more difficult for many to afford much higher fees along with the costs of other necessities. “International students studying in Canada pay more than triple the average tuition of domestic students,” said Adam Woods, Vice-President External of the University of Alberta Students’ Union.
International students must apply for either a single-entry visa or multiple-entry visa when choosing to study in Canada. CASA believes all international students would benefit from making all study permits qualify as multiple-entry visas.
“CASA has pushed for these no-cost policy changes because it would make choosing Canada as a study destination easier and more fair,” added Woods. “There are more factors than which country has the best branding when international students choose where to go to university or college.”
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