Express Entry immigration application system

This letter was submitted to The Globe and Mail in response to the article “Immigration changes risk leaving foreign students behind” published on February 10, 2015.

By Christine Tausig Ford, vice-president and chief operating officer, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

Canada’s new Express Entry immigration application system should benefit international students who come to Canada to study and want to stay as permanent residents – not hinder them as your article states. Express Entry is not a new program in itself, and does not modify or replace the requirements or the annual level targets of the various economic immigration programs.

International students bring major benefits to Canadian campuses and our local communities, and contribute $8 billion to Canada’s economy every year. Given the intense competition among countries to attract global talent, it is critical that we provide these students with accurate information about Canada’s immigration system. By not doing so, we risk damaging Canada’s standing as a destination of choice.