As the world’s 6^th and 14^th largest ELT markets and ranking among the top 5 fastest-growing markets for Canada’s language education sector in 2023, South Korea and Taiwan made for an outstanding choice as the focus of Languages Canada’s first inbound trade mission and FAM tour of 2024, which brought a delegation composed of over 30 Korean and Taiwanese agencies to Victoria and Vancouver for a full week of activities.

Nearly 300 participants attended the Languages Canada 17^th Annual Conference in Vancouver, February 28 to March 2, 2024, making it our first ever sold-out gathering of language education leaders, experts, stakeholders, and influencers from across the country and around the world.

International students can study English or French in Canada for less than 6 months on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). From now until at least the end of March, while the government of Canada isn’t processing study permit applications (or very few), more resources are available to process other visa applications, meaning that short-term language students applying for TRVs and eTAs will benefit from faster processing.

Recent news reports suggest that the Government of Canada is considering reinstating its visa requirement on Mexico, as a response to the growing number of asylum claims from Mexican nationals and mounting pressure from the U.S. Languages Canada believes the move is inevitable and expects an official announcement in the coming weeks.

Did you know? A study permit is NOT required to attend short-term English or French language programs in Canada.

We are excited to announce that renowned author Chia Suan Chong will open the Academic Leadership and Program Innovation stream with her presentation, Helping Students Become Successful International Communicators, sponsored by National Geographic Learning.

Languages Canada teamed up with the Canadian Association of Public Schools – International (CAPS-I), the Italian Association of Language Consultants and Agents (IALCA) and the Spanish Association of Promoters of Language Courses Abroad (ASEPROCE) to welcome a group of 36 Italian and Spanish education agents to Banff this December, the largest such delegation ever to visit Canada.

On September 1, 2023, Languages Canada held a Leaders' Meeting on the margins of Alphe UK in London at Canada House on Trafalgar Square. The group of 25 attendees was composed of directors and CEOs from schools which together welcome nearly 50% of all students attending Languages Canada members to study English or French in any given year!

Despite extraordinary efforts to position the sector for full recovery in 2022, Languages Canada members reached only 65% of pre-pandemic student numbers and 73% of student week volume.

Eligible travellers from 13 more countries, including Thailand, Panama, Argentina and Costa Rica, now qualify for visa-free travel to Canada.

Save the date! Languages Canada announced this week that its 17^th Annual Conference will take place February 28 through March 2, 2024 at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver, British Columbia.

As you are aware, many of Canada’s federal public servants went on strike on April 19. Given current public opinion and the political and economic climate of the country, Languages Canada is confident that a resolution will be reached soon and that the labour dispute will not cause an adverse impact on international students. However, we are concerned that inaccurate communications from government are impeding the public's understanding of the actual situation. The reality is that port of entry services continue as usual and that most visa processing is also uninterrupted. We encourage students to continue choosing Canada to pursue their English or French language studies.

With news of today’s start (Wednesday, April 19, 2023) of a federal public service strike, many international students planning to study English or French in Canada this summer may be wondering if and how their study permit or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) applications will be impacted.

Languages Canada’s Director of International Affairs attended the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) conference in Bangkok, March 11-17,2023.

With nearly 200 participants from across Canada and the world, over 30 professional development sessions and two full days of valuable networking opportunities, the Languages Canada 16^th Annual Conference— February 22-25, 2023 in Halifax, Nova Scotia—was, without a doubt, a resounding success.

Colombia was the fastest-growing market for the Canadian language education sector in 2021, making it an outstanding choice as the focus of Languages Canada’s first inbound trade mission and FAM tour of 2023. Nearly forty Colombians composed the delegation of agencies invited to Montreal and Toronto for a full week of activities this past month.

Languages Canada is thrilled to announce the Hon. Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, as opening keynote speaker for the Languages Canada 16^th Annual Conference on Thursday, February 23, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax. Following the address, Languages Canada members will have the opportunity to attend a Q&A session with the Minister.

Languages Canada is pleased to announce the Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, KC, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, as special speaker for the Languages Canada 16^th Annual Conference Closing Reception on Friday, February 24, 2023, 6:30 p.m., at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax.

We are pleased to share some good news regarding Canada’s visa backlog situation.

Languages Canada held another successful Inbound Trade Mission and FAM Tour last week in Whistler, Vancouver, Nanaimo and Victoria BC, this time playing host to the largest delegation of Japanese education agents ever to visit Canada!