NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CAREER COLLEGES
Canada needs to treat all post-secondary international students equally

The Board of Directors of the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) says it's time for all international post-secondary students in Canada to be treated fairly and receive similar benefits.

To date, the 25,000 international students studying annually at one of Canada's regulated career colleges outside of Quebec are not eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit allowing them to work or intern in Canada following their studies.

The program currently only allows international students at public institutions to apply.

"International students who attend Canada's regulated career colleges deserve fair and equal treatment, and that includes access to the post-graduate work permit. In light of recent immigration concerns south of the border, Canada needs to ensure that all eligible international post-secondary students are welcomed to this country and have equal access to the benefits of living and studying here," said Serge Buy, CEO of the National Association of Career Colleges.

Both the Conference Board of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce have already advocated publicly that the federal government adjust regulations to allow eligible international career college students access to the program.

NACC has been working directly with the federal and provincial governments for nearly a decade to ensure that all requirements for access to the post-graduate work permit have been met. This includes having an approved list, developed and maintained by the provinces, of regulated career colleges who are approved to accept international students.

There is a significant economic benefit to the federal government levelling the playing field amongst post-secondary institutions. International students, on average, contribute about $40,000 to their community during the course of study. With 25,000 international students choosing to study annually at Canada's regulated career colleges, that means one billion dollars for Canada's economy. That number is poised to grow.

"Students choose regulated career colleges for specialized training and unique programs. We are proud of the role our colleges play in Canada's post-secondary education system. Our international students deserve to be treated fairly and equally," concluded Buy.