Career development influences of international students who pursue permanent immigration to Canada

• Published in: International journal for educational and vocational guidance Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 221 - 237
• Main Authors: Arthur, Nancy, Flynn, Sarah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01-10-2011; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Barriers; Canada; Career Choice; Career Development; Career development planning; Career Planning; Citizenship; Dislocated Workers; Education; Employees; Employment; Employment Opportunities; Employment Services; Fear; Foreign Countries; Foreign Students; Graduate Students; Grounded Theory; Higher Education; Immigrant students; Immigrants; Immigration; International and Comparative Education; Interviews; Living Standards; Migrants; Professional and Vocational Education; Structured Interviews; Temporary Employment; Undergraduate Students; Unemployment; Universities; Canada; International students; Immigration; Career counselling
• ISSN: 0251-2513; 1873-0388; 1573-1782
• DOI: 10.1007/s10775-011-9212-5

This research focused on the career decision and planning needs of a unique group of migrants: international students who are completing their studies as temporary immigrants and who are embarking on the career journey of employment and permanent immigration. A semi-structured interview employing a Critical Incident Technique was used to assess the career influences of 19 undergraduate and graduate international students at a Canadian university. Data were analyzed using a constant comparison method and critical incident protocol. Students were motivated to remain in Canada due to enhanced job opportunities and high standard of living. Barriers to migration included the fear of not securing employment and cultural and linguistic barriers. International students would like to see campus and career services specified to the needs of international and graduate students to help them realize their goal of pursuing employment as the key to permanent immigration.