Canada’s New Student Visa Rules Raise Concerns for Indian Students
Canada has introduced a cap on student visas, limiting the number of overseas students to 360,000, a 35% reduction from the previous year.
Ottawa, January 22, 2024 Canada’s recent changes to student visa regulations and cost of living policies have sparked concerns for Indian students, potentially impacting their preferences for overseas education. India, being the largest source country for overseas students in Canada, with around 2.30 lakh Indian students currently enrolled in various courses, may witness a shift in preferences towards other countries like the UK, US, and Australia.
Canada has introduced a cap on student visas, limiting the number of overseas students to 360,000, a 35% reduction from the previous year. This temporary policy, set to last for two years, aims to address concerns about under-resourced campuses, inadequate student support, and high tuition fees at some private institutions. Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed the need to ensure the quality of education for international students and emphasized that these measures are not directed at individuals but rather focus on maintaining the standards expected by future students.
The impact of these changes is likely to be felt by Indian students, who, till November 2023, constituted 37% of the total study permits issued in Canada. In 2022, India had the highest number of study permit holders in the country, making up 41% of the total permits issued. The cap may pose challenges for well-qualified Indian students, especially in popular fields of study. Additionally, changes to the post-graduation work permit program will affect eligibility for certain categories of students, with a focus on ensuring that students receive the promised education and support.
Starting in September, graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will be eligible for a three-year work permit, while open work permits will only be available to spouses of students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs. These changes align with the Canadian government’s efforts to address concerns and maintain the quality of education provided to international students.. Previously, Canada was a favored destination for Indian students, with a significant rise in the number of students moving there between 2013 and 2022, seeing a surge of 260%. In 2021 and 2022 alone, over a lakh Indian students migrated to Canada. However, the new regulations may prompt students to reevaluate their choices.
The ease of obtaining work permits after completing studies was a key attraction for Indian students, but the surge in the number of overseas students led to housing crises and rising rents. The Canadian government aims to address this challenge by implementing these new norms. The changes are expected to impact not only students but also universities and businesses, including restaurants and retail sectors, leading to labor shortages and economic consequences.
The strained relationship between India and Canada, following allegations by Prime Minister Trudeau against Indian government agents, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The impact of these changes on the education sector and the broader economy remains to be seen as Canada attempts to balance the influx of students with housing and employment challenges.
By Yashasvi Raghav
