The Impact of Changes to the CEC Program on International Students

Acknowledgements This study, produced on behalf of Global Orient Vision, would not have been possible without the support and guidance of Harald Bauder, Howard Lin, and Hannah Kovacs from Ryerson University, Robert Vineberg, and all those who have offered us a helping hand. Introduction Canada has long been known for its openness and diversity. Throughout history, immigration has been a key part of Canada’s growth and development. Globalization has enabled Canada to attract the best and brightest in an effort to diversify and improve the workforce and society as a whole. This trend precipitated the introduction of the “Canadian Experience Class” (CEC) in 2008. The CEC allows applicants with sufficient language skills, a Canadian post-secondary degree, and one year of Canadian work experience to access a relatively straightforward route to permanent residency (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2008).