Languages Canada, in partnership with EnglishUSA, BELTA, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, and Air Canada, proudly hosted 17 top-performing Brazilian education agencies in a dual-city trade mission across New York City (June 8) and Niagara-on-the-Lake (June 12), with additional campus tours in Manhattan, Philadelphia, Delaware, and the Greater Toronto Area.
With a combined sending power of nearly 12,000 students to Canada and the U.S. in 2024, the delegation visited North America to strengthen ties with current partners and explore new collaborations. According to BELTA (the Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association), 2024 marked a record year for Brazilian students studying abroad, with both Canada and the U.S. ranking among the top three destinations.
Despite visa processing challenges faced by both countries, BELTA President Alex Argenta struck an optimistic tone:
“The U.S. and Canada may be seeing some challenges with visa processing, but for us Brazilians, challenge has been the rule for decades. It’s part of our daily lives—and this issue will pass.”
Brazilian agents reported that Canadian permit processing times have largely returned to normal, with high approval rates. As many put it: “It’s business as usual.”
The mission was generously sponsored by GuardMe Insurance and IELTS USA. In New York, Ariel Foster, CEO and Executive Director of IELTS USA, welcomed the delegation and spoke to the rich diversity of the U.S., highlighting New York City’s unique cultural appeal for international students.
In Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lucia Quigley, Senior Account Manager at GuardMe Canada, joined agents and Canadian institutions, reaffirming GuardMe’s commitment to student well-being throughout their international education journey.
Air Canada, a long-standing Languages Canada partner, played a key role in enabling the mission’s success. Brazilian delegates flew to New York via Montreal on Air Canada’s direct São Paulo–YUL flight, where they pre-cleared U.S. immigration before continuing to LaGuardia—a smooth and efficient route for travellers heading to the U.S.
