A Globe and Mail opinion piece argues Canada must re-establish a clear route from international education to permanent residency to stay competitive in attracting global talent.
The commentary says international students have long boosted Canada’s economy, workforce and universities, but recent immigration policy changes have weakened the long-standing promise that studying in Canada could lead to permanent settlement. Many students chose Canada specifically based on that expectation and now find themselves facing growing uncertainty about their future in the country.
According to The Globe and Mail, treating international students primarily as a source of tuition revenue, while simultaneously limiting their long-term opportunities, risks damaging Canada’s global reputation and could reduce its overall appeal as a study destination for prospective students.
The article calls for immigration and education policies that better align with Canada’s broader economic and demographic needs going forward.

