As a country, we have essentially had policies to encourage international students to come to study in our country and for them to get permanent residence. They are the ideal immigrants. As international students, they are young, have a high level of education and are integrated into our society.
However, when we apply for study permits, we have to explain to the officers why it is that the students don't want to study in their home countries and how their programs are going to help them, not in their careers in Canada or anywhere else, but in their careers back home.
Applications are routinely denied because the officers say they don't think the students will return to their home countries. This dichotomy in the policy is really confusing.