29 May 2008

Canadian immigration boosts levels of university graduates in the country

Immigration policies in Canada are boosting the number of people in the country with a university degree. As the Canadian immigration process favours those who hold a degree and more people with Canadian visas enter the country, the percentage of degree holders is increasing, reports Canada.com.

According to Statistic Canada, over half of the people engaged in Canadian immigration between 2001-06 had a degree certificate, compared to 20 per cent of the general Canadian population.

This level has increased from 28 per cent of Canadian visa holders who had the higher education accolade in 2001. Jack Jedwab, executive director of the Association for Canadian Studies, told the website that as people with degrees tend to push their children towards achieving one, this effect will roll on.

Hugh O'Heron, a senior policy analyst with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, said that a degree is valuable asset and will be favoured in a Canadian visa application, but immigrants should bear in mind the importance of integrating into the country's society too. Changes are currently being considered in the Canadian immigration system, to fast-track certain profession's visa applications.

Canada welcomes new immigrants: The Canadian Visa Bureau can assist skilled workers interested in Canadian immigration. More information on Canadian visas is available on the website. Anyone applying for a Canadian visa should begin by completing the online Canadian visa application to see if they meet the legislative requirements.