International students as ideal immigrants Ontario employers perspective

International students (IS) have been targeted by Canadian federal and provincial policies as “ideal” immigrants given that they “are well positioned to immigrate to Canada as they have typically obtained Canadian credentials, are proficient in at least one official language and often have relevant Canadian work experience” (DFATD, 2014, p.12). However, the few studies that have been conducted examining international student experiences in the Canadian job market report that IS share many of the challenges that other skilled immigrants face. In fact, little is known about employers’ hiring practices and preferences when it comes to IS. It is crucial to gain insights into the role employers play in IS capacity to realize a return on their education and to transition into the Ontario labour market as new immigrants.The study aimed to answer the following questions:1. How knowledgeable are employers about immigration policies pertaining to IS and how do they expect these policies to influence their human resource policies and practices related to IS (e.g. selection, retention and promotion)?2. What is the “value proposition” for hiring IS from employers’ perspectives? What are their expectations and experiences of hiring IS compared to experienced immigrants and non-immigrants?3. What would motivate employers to play a more strategic role in the social and economic integration of IS as permanent residents? What tools, resources and best practices do they identify?4. What collaborative partnerships do employers envision with the government and university sector in preparing IS for employment and permanent residency?This research aimed to examine and develop a nuanced understanding of employer motives, perceptions and practices and their interface and interactions with universities in facilitating or impeding the conversion of IS educational credentials into secure employment and access to Canadian citizenship. Hence, we employed a qualitative research design with multiple data collection methods including interviews and focus groups with 10 employers and 17 staff members (from career, cooperative education and international education offices) at 3 Ontario universities as well as observation of workshops and a job fair.