@ Kearnixer:
Canada as many other developed countries (Australia, UK, etc), use their educational system for revenue for their countries, meaning it is a business. The competition is very high between the top 10 countries, that every country provide different incentives for international students to go there.
Canada had always made it clear that by studying you would have a chance to get PR, i.e. settle down and start a life.
Hence the new changes as well. Every couple of years they make new changes towards this route, because of the high competition.
This business is so profitable that I wouldn't go further into explaining as this is not the right place for it.
Having said that, at the same time, Canada puts rules to follow them, therefore yes of course, when you submit your Study permit and have an interview with the VO, you can't just say oh by the way I am going to study and never leave.
The same goes to Visitor visas and Worker visas etc.
The point is, in Canada things are simple, if you apply for a Study, your goal is to study, period. No need to think more or explain more, now if after you study you want to change your plans, then yes there is 1000 ways to do it, every province has special programs for students.
Once you are in Canada there are many ways to get PR, through different programs. For example many come here with 1-2 years visa as workers then they apply for CEC.
At the same time, many come here for 1 year work permit, they go to the border to renew for another year, and when asked by VO, they say they are planning to apply for PR and they get rejected.!!!
Why:
because as I said above, the plans in your head should stay in your head only. If you apply for anything you make sure you follow guidelines and make your case strong.
I remember a guy when he was asked in the airport (before getting his 1 yr work permit issued), how long he plans to stay, he said:
well my permit is for 1 year, however I would probably leave before that, because I want to go back home and start my own business.
This guy now has citizenship.
So my point is:
The answer to your thoughts is YES and NO.