The organizations responsible for international student data collection include:
Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE-BCEI)
Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada, Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS)
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE-BCEI) is the primary organization responsible for international student mobility data reporting to Atlas. The frequency of data collection varies by source. The definition of an "international student" is a temporary resident who has been approved by an immigration officer to study in Canada. The study permit identifies the level of study and the length of time the individual may study in Canada. Students do not need a study permit for courses of six months or less if they will finish the course within the period of stay authorized upon entry, which is usually six months. Before June 28, 2002, students did not need a study permit for English and French as a second language courses of three months or less. Every foreign student must have a student authorization, but may also have been issued other types of permits or authorizations.