International students in Canada are contributing to a population growth rebound in 2021, placing the country firmly back on track to meeting its immigration target. A recent report from the Royal Bank of Canada shows that international migration has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, primarily due to the return of international students and post-graduate visa holders.
While the population of international students in Canada declined by 60,000 in 2020, the turn of the year has brought about encouraging recovery. For example, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 44% more study permits in 2021 — about 21,000 in total. Adding to that is the 24,000 new Post-Graduate Work Permits issued this year, which is 160% more than last year.
