Canada is introducing a fast-track system to let foreign students and graduates with Canadian work experience become permanent residents, according to an announcement this week by the minister of citizenship and immigration.

Until now, students and graduates had to leave Canada to apply for such status, which leads to citizenship in a few years. Currently, foreign students are permitted to work off campus, and earlier this year the government allowed graduates to stay and work for three years.

The new fast-track policy will apply only to those who have completed two years of academic study in Canada, have worked in professional, skilled, or managerial jobs, and have good English- or French-language skills.

Canada decided to revamp its policy to stay competitive with Britain and Australia, according to a report in The Globe and Mail, a newspaper. The initial quota for the applicants is from 12,000 to 18,000 per year. It will be increased to 25,000 applicants per year in the future. —Karen Birchard