The entry of skilled workers on a temporary basis to respond to skill shortages in the short term enhances Canada's productivity and competitiveness in the global economy. Foreign Students Student authorizations are issued to foreign students in line with the marketing of Canada as a preferred destination for international students. Allowing foreign students to study here is one way Canada can attract the best and the brightest. The efficient, consistent and transparent processing of students has continued to be one of CIC's departmental priorities in recognition of the importance of foreign students to Canada's educational institutions. The Immigration Act requires all visitors, except those exempted by regulation, to obtain a visitor visa before coming to Canada.
Visitors provide economic benefits to Canada by stimulating the demand for goods and services.
The high volume of visitor visas issued is a reflection of Canada's attractiveness as a destination. Visitor visas play the dual role of facilitating the entry of tourists and legitimate visitors while providing a mechanism to screen people who wish to enter Canada. The individuals in the Foreign Worker population are shown in the year in which they received their first temporary authorization. This is not a legal document. Available in alternate formats upon request.