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There’s a new kind of foreign student streaming into Canada: They’re adults, typically with spouses, often with children.

Canadian immigration offices in Asia are reporting that “mature adults” are increasingly applying to come to Canada as foreign students, especially those who want to live in Metro Vancouver.

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It is a result of the Canadian government’s recent decision to classify foreign students among the front-runners to become permanent residents, particularly through Ottawa’s new “fast-track” program.

Andri Thorarinsson, a 34-year-old from Iceland, is among the new trend. He recently arrived, with wife and two children, to complete a masters in business at Simon Fraser University. They’d love to stay.

The University of B.C.’s Bo Fang, from China, Rony Das from Bangladesh, and Alejandro Elgueta from Chile also ventured here as adult students with partners. They’ve done well.