Evaluation of the International Student Program

Evaluation Division
Research and Evaluation
July 2010

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) conducted an evaluation of the International Student Program (ISP) to examine its performance and relevance. Guided by an Evaluation Framework, the study evaluated the program design, delivery, relevance and effectiveness, and sought to provide results-based information which can facilitate ongoing program improvement and future policy decisions. It also considered the efficiency and economy of the program relative to the other temporary resident streams, and explored various factors affecting program delivery.

The study focused on international students studying at the post-secondary levels. However, the administrative data analysis revealed a substantial number of students arriving to study at the elementary and secondary levels, comprising approximately 25% of all international student entries. This was explored through further research (discussed in section 1.3.1). Data collection for the evaluation was carried out between November 2008 and January 2010.

Evaluation of the International Student program (PDF, 1.3 MB) (PDF, 1.29MB)

Table of contents

• Executive summary
• International Student Program (ISP) Evaluation – Management response
• 1. Background
  • 1.1 Introduction
  • 1.2 Structure of the report
  • 1.3 Program profile
    • 1.3.1 Policy and program context
    • 1.3.2 Objectives
    • 1.3.3 Program description
    • 1.3.4 Roles and responsibilities
    • 1.3.5 Resources
    • 1.3.6 Profile of international students in Canada
• 2. Evaluation framework and methodology
  • 2.1 Evaluation framework
  • 2.2 Methodology
    • 2.2.1 Document review
    • 2.2.2 Interviews
    • 2.2.3 Surveys
    • 2.2.4 Analysis of administrative data
    • 2.2.5 Literature review
  • 2.3 Limitations
• 3. Findings
  • 3.1 Relevance
    • 3.1.1 Need for the International Student Program
    • 3.1.2 Alignment with GoC, CIC, OGD and provincial priorities and objectives
    • 3.1.3 Federal role
  • 3.2 Performance
    • 3.2.1 Social, cultural and economic benefits
    • 3.2.2 Global competitiveness
    • 3.2.3 Program integrity
    • 3.2.4 Program management and delivery
    • 3.2.5 Application processing
• 4. Conclusions
  • 4.1 Key findings
• Appendix A: Evaluation framework – Logic model and evaluation matrix
• Appendix B: Interview guides
• Appendix C: CBIE Canada First Survey of International Students
• Appendix D: Survey of CIC visa offices
• Appendix E: Survey of educational institutions
• Appendix F: Surveys of employers

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