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Research Reports

Counting on Care: A Survey of Internationally Educated Nurses Not Working as Nurses in Ontario

This report describes the registration status and experiences, employment situations, and skills utilization levels of over 750 Ontario-based IENs not currently working as nurses. Based on a WES survey completed in fall 2023, the report discusses one of the survey’s most striking findings: 50 percent of respondents had not yet begun the registration process but still planned to.

One Year Later: Canada’s Enduring Appeal to Prospective Immigrants in the Face of COVID-19

This report presents a comparative analysis of survey results from 2020 and 2021 to assess the impact of the evolving pandemic context on the immigration plans of prospective immigrants to Canada. Among its key findings: Overall interest in immigrating to Canada remains high.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Economic Well-Being of Recent Migrants to Canada

COVID-19 has had devastating effects on the financial well-being of many recent immigrants, temporary foreign workers, and international students in Canada. Migrants—regardless of their immigration status—are overrepresented in essential roles and industries that have been hardest hit. To better understand the impact of the pandemic on these groups, WES conducted surveys in April, June, and August 2020 of applicants who received a WES credential evaluation for the purpose of immigrating to Canada.

Trend Report: Canada’s Appeal to Prospective Immigrants in the Face of COVID-19

To understand the potential impact of COVID-19 on prospective immigrants to Canada, WES conducted a series of surveys in April, June, and August of 2020 with applicants for a WES credential evaluation. This report looks at trends from all three survey rounds and is based on the responses of more than 27,000 respondents who resided outside of Canada at the time of the surveys. Gain insight into how interest and intentions to immigrate to Canada are changing over time as the pandemic unfolds.

COVID-19 and Fall 2020: Impacts on U.S. International Higher Education

This report details the final results of a series of surveys on the impact of COVID-19 on U.S. international higher education in fall 2020 and beyond. It examines interest in U.S. higher education in light of the socio-political environment and the pandemic, barriers students face coming to the U.S., and other options students are exploring to pursue their studies.

How Is COVID-19 Impacting International Higher Education in the United States?

To understand the potential impact of the coronavirus on U.S. international higher education, WES Research surveyed prospective international and immigrant students interested in studying in the U.S. and U.S. higher education professionals who work to support international and immigrant students. The resulting report provides insight into how the pandemic is affecting the plans of prospective students, as well as the adjustments U.S. institutions are making in light of the crisis.

Are Intentions to Immigrate to Canada Changing in the Face of COVID-19?

To better understand the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the immigration intentions of prospective immigrants to Canada, in April 2020, WES Research surveyed 4,615 recent WES Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) applicants who reside outside of Canada. The resulting report provides insight into prospective immigrants’ expectations about the economic impact of COVID-19, the factors impacting their interest and intent to immigrate, and more.

Who Is Succeeding in the Canadian Labour Market? Predictors of Career Success for Skilled Immigrants

What are the main predictors of skilled immigrants in Canada obtaining employment commensurate with their skills and experience prior to immigrating? To find out, WES surveyed 6400 recent immigrants examining their demographic characteristics, their experience and education, and how these factors affected their labour market outcomes. This report details the findings of that research, possible implications, and evidence gaps for further inquiry.

Are U.S. HEIs Meeting the Needs of International Students?

Amid increased global competition for student enrollments and decreased international student interest in the U.S., Stateside HEIs are beginning to grasp the importance of international student experiences on their campuses. To provide insight into international student experiences, WES Research conducted a survey of 1,921 current students and recent graduates and consulted with 24 current students through an online focus group.

Makala Skinner, Research Associate, Ning Luo, Data Analytics Associate, Chris Mackie, Research Associate

UPDATED: A Way Forward for Refugees: Findings from the WES Pilot Project

Between November 2015 and February 2016, the Government of Canada settled more than 26,000 Syrians from Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. This report describes how World Education Services has begun to help those with post-secondary qualifications take their next steps toward integration.

Can Immigrant Professionals Help Reduce Teacher Shortages in the U.S.?

This report explores the role that immigrant and refugee professionals can play in addressing urgent teacher shortages and increasing diversity in the educational workforce through alternative teacher certification programs that leverage training, skills, and professional experience.

Navigating A New Paradigm For International Student Recruitment

Learn more about the impact of recent changes to U.S. immigration policies and how institutions are responding, WES surveyed 139 international enrollment management professionals in early 2018.

Career Prospects and Outcomes of U.S. Educated International Students: Improving Services, Bolstering Success

This report examines the career expectations and outcomes of international students and alumni educated at U.S. higher education institutions, including the experiences of alumni who stayed in the U.S. and those who returned home.

Improving the International Student Experience: Implications for Recruitment and Support

This report includes findings from a study of over 4,600 international students, and sheds light on how institutions can better meet a range of needs among students from different parts of the globe.

By Megha Roy, Research Associate, Zhengrong Lu, Research Associate, and Bryce Loo, Research Associate

Career Services for International Students: Fulfilling High Expectations

Research has shown that career prospects are a key consideration for international students as they decide where to apply, and that dedicated career services are a critical – but often overlooked – campus function.

Recognizing Refugee Qualifications: Practical Tips for Credential Assessment

This report is an overview of WES’s extensive research on worldwide practices in the assessment of credentials and qualifications of refugees and other displaced individuals.

How Master’s Students Choose Institutions: Research on International Student Segmentation

Examines the characteristics and attributes different segments of international master’s students value when applying to U.S. colleges and universities.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Segmenting and Recruiting International Millennial Students

Analyzes nearly five thousand 17-to-36-year-old international Millennials’ use of technology and the psychographic characteristics that influence their information-seeking behavior.

By Li Chang, Research Associate, Paul Schulmann, Research Associate, and Zhengrong Lu, Research Assistant

Student Segmentation for an Effective International Enrollment Strategy

Examines how different international student segments inform enrollment strategies. The report is based on a survey of nearly 3,000 U.S.-bound international students and highlights how students’ information-seeking behavior varies by education level and country.

International Student Mobility Trends 2013: Towards Responsive Recruitment Strategies

Analyzes international student mobility trends with a comparative analysis of undergraduate level growth patterns with an actionable framework to recruit international students by leveraging an interplay of technology, partnership, and research.

Beyond More of the Same: The Top Four Emerging Markets for International Student Recruitment

Identifies key emerging countries with promising recruitment potential and recommends institutions to adopt a portfolio approach for balancing recruitment opportunities with potential uncertainties of expanding their efforts to emerging markets.

Not All International Students are the Same: Understanding Segments, Mapping Behavior

Highlights how differences in academic preparedness and financial resources impact the information-seeking behavior of prospective international students and identifies four types of international students: Strivers, Strugglers, Explorers, and Highfliers.

Trends in International Student Mobility

The purpose of this research is to provide an in-depth understanding of the trends and issues related to international student enrollment and to help institutional leaders and administrators make informed decisions and effectively set priorities.