I wrote to the office of John McCallum in March to ask when the changes will be in effect. I received a reply today (4 months later!), from someone at his office, with a lot of standard blurb about how the EE system is great for student as we can get points for education, Canadian experience, PGWP etc. etc. etc. but also the following paragraph
"Dear ........:
This is in response to your email of March 23, 2016, addressed to the office of the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, concerning the transition to permanent residence for international students. I apologize for the delay in responding.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes the tremendous economic, cultural and social benefits that international students bring to Canada. The International Student Program aims to make Canada a destination of choice for international students seeking a quality education and Canada’s offerings to international students are similar to other competitor countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Opportunities to work on and off campus during their studies, as well as the chance to remain in Canada after their studies with a post-graduation work permit or to apply to stay permanently for those who wish to do so, are attractive features for international students.
International students can submit an Express Entry profile. If they meet the requirements for any one of the three economic class immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system, they will be placed into the pool which will give them an opportunity to transition to permanent residence. International students and post-graduate work permit holders are awarded a significant number of points by the Comprehensive Ranking System for their high education, Canadian work experience, strong official language skills and, more often than not, youth. Most full-time international students who graduate from their program in Canada are eligible for open work permits through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. This allows them to gain experience in the Canadian labour market which is awarded significant points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Rankling System; and, may help them transition to permanent residency. Additional information can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Website at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=519&top=15.
Now that the Express Entry system has been operational for sufficient time, the department is exploring ways to improve Express Entry, building on the success of the current system. A review of Express Entry is being planned to see how it can be improved for potential immigrants, including former international students. Themes explored will include; former international students, job offer requirements including the Labour Market Impact Assessment, job offer points, siblings, official languages, and improvements to client service elements. Please refer to the IRCC Website for any updates and information.
Furthermore, the Government of Canada is asking Canadians about what they think immigration means for Canada, and how we can continue to grow our nation through immigration. Information and instructions on submitting feedback can be found at: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do;jsessionid=ca551016fdfc8258fda6532405c2fa8732a2d4ef24de5369b81797f8ede2aad4.e34Rc3iMbx8Oai0Tbx0SaxuQaNv0?crtr.sj1D=&crtr.mnthndVl=12&mthd=advSrch&crtr.dpt1D=6664&nid=1094449&crtr.lc1D=&crtr.tp1D=1&crtr.yrStrtVl=2008&crtr.kw=&crtr.dyStrtVl=26&crtr.aud1D=&crtr.mnthStrtVl=2&crtr.page=1&crtr.yrndVl=2016&crtr.dyndVl=31.
Thank you for writing and expressing your concerns. I trust that this information is of assistance.
M. Lemery
Ministerial Enquiries Division
This electronic address is not available for reply.".
They ignored my part of the question about timing... "a review is being planned" isn't particularly inspiring
This is all information we've heard already, but the bit that will be of interest for some on this forum is the bit about 'former international students', and the LMIA and job offer points. I can't remember which thread it was but I remember somebody was asking if they would be included as they had already finished PGWP and left Canada - answer is... erm maybe yeah!