What are the barriers and facilitating factors that impact international students’ transition to permanent residency in Canada?

Abstract

This paper examined the experience of international student graduates from Vancouver Island University as they transition into the workforce and on to becoming permanent residents of Canada. Ten international students who had already successfully transitioned to become a permanent resident of Canada or whose permanent residency application was in process were interviewed. Given that they had already navigated the challenges of entering a foreign labour market and had satisfied the requirements under the Canadian Experience Class, participants in the present study were considered highly resilient and able to offer insights into the challenges as well as the facilitating factors or supports that helped them to transition into becoming permanent residents of Canada. International student participants also shared recommendations for other international students who are hopeful in becoming Canadian citizens.