Canada welcomed 450,000 new international students in 2021, an all-time record

Last year, approximately 450,000 new study permits were issued in Canada, a remarkable number that considerably surpassed the previous all-time high set in 2019. Prior to the pandemic, just over 400,000 new study permits were issued in Canada, with that number dropping to just over 255,000 in 2020. In comparison to 2015, the number for last year was more than doubled.

India continues to be the most important source country, accounting for about a third of all international students in Canada. China is still in second place, with France in third. India’s big proportion can be explained in part by the fact that it has the world’s second-largest English-speaking population and a sizable middle class.

The following were the top ten international student source nations (as measured by the number of study permit holders as of December 31, 2021):

1) India: 217,410

2) China: 105,265

3) France: 26,630

4) Iran: 16,900

5) Vietnam: 16,285

6) South Korea: 15,805

7) The Philippines: 15,545

8) The United States: 14,325

9) Nigeria: 13,745

10) Mexico: 11,550

If you want to know more information about Canadian immigration, do not hesitate to book an appointment for professional consultation for your most suitable path!