Why Indian Students Are Avoiding Canada Now

Canada remained the most preferred country of study for Indians before the shutdown of operation till August 2023. However, they have witnessed the lowest number of study permits for Indian students; during October and December 2023, it was only 14% of the usual number. In the given period, only 149,010 Indian students joined the Canadian colleges as stated by Mark Miller, Canada’s immigration minister as opposed to 1,088,940 in the same time in 2022. Canada has experienced a situation of decline in attractiveness; therefore, let us attempt to answer the question. Below are the facts that can explain why there has been a reduced number of study-abroad permits. Meanwhile, if you wish to visit India then buy a flight ticket from Canada to India through flyopedia for a seamless travel experience.

Housing & Employment Crisis

Indian students make up over 41 percent of Canada’s international student population, significantly boosting the country’s economy. Estimates suggest that students from Punjab alone spend over ₹68,000 crore annually on education in Canada. In 2022, out of 225,450 Indian students granted study permits, 136,000 were from Punjab. Currently, around 340,000 students from Punjab are studying in Canada. While international students have bolstered Canada’s economy, they are also being blamed for the housing and job crisis in the country.

Rental costs in Canada have skyrocketed. According to a recent report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the country needs 3.5 million additional housing units by 2030 to restore affordability. The housing shortage has led to the exploitation of international students. A study by York University’s Professor Tania Das Gupta found that landlords exploit international students by demanding large upfront payments for substandard, overcrowded, unsafe, and even illegal accommodations. Additionally, a McGill University study revealed that 38.6 percent of international students faced sexual harassment. And 23.6 percent experienced sexual assault.

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Restriction on Work Permits

It has also frustrated every undergraduate student who applied for a work permit and permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. There are currently reports that jobs are being cut as a result of reasons that are attributed to poor economic performance in Canada.

Since the unemployment rate has been obtained from Statistics Canada at this present time December 2023 its value is 5. At 8 percent it is at its peak since the rise of the number was indicated in January this year. At this time, unemployment was recorded with 1,245,200 people being unemployed in the region. International students were exposed to harsh realities of employment; they had challenges in accessing part-time employment and most were exploited. Due to inadequate employment opportunities in the market. Here, the students have been left with no option but to look for enhanced-paying jobs. Postgraduate and doctoral students are eligible for work permits, while other foreign students are not allowed to work.

Education Is Becoming Increasingly Expensive

Similar to the rise in rental costs, education in Canada has also become more expensive since December 2023. When the government abruptly raised the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) amount from 10,000 CAD to 20,635 CAD.

Previously, students were required to pay only ₹5.7 lakh for the GIC, but now they must pay ₹13.2 lakh. Including institutional fees, the total can reach ₹22-23 lakh. This increase has made studying in Canada unaffordable for many students, leading them to look for alternatives.

No Open Work Permit for Undergraduates or their Spouses

One of the primary reasons students are now hesitant to pursue a college degree in Canada is the restriction on open work permits and spouse visas. According to the new student permit policy, private colleges or public-private colleges (off-campus public colleges) can no longer issue open work permits. Only postgraduate students studying at public colleges and universities will be eligible for open work permits and spouse visas.

A significant number of students from Punjab sought spouse visas and work permits, with over 70 percent opting for private colleges that engaged in unlawful practices such as issuing fake study permits and violating admission norms. It is evident that Canada will now primarily welcome postgraduate students who are financially well-off.

International Student Capping

Chandigarh-based immigration advisor Gurtej Sandhu said that applications for Bachelor’s or Diploma programs have dropped by half since the changes to open work permit and spouse visa regulations.

“The cap on international students has not only affected the immigration business in India but will also significantly impact the revenues of the Canadian government,” Sandhu said. Immigration agents highlight that fewer student visas will also adversely affect employment in their sector.

“Each agent employs at least two dozen people. Hundreds of immigration firms will be affected. We are considering reducing our staff,” says Gurtej Sandhu.

Students Look Beyond Their Current Study Destinations

The Canadian government’s decision to limit international students may have impacted immigration. But it won’t deter students from pursuing their dreams of studying abroad. The staggering number of passports issued last year is a testament to these aspirations.

In 2023, a record 1.19 million passports were issued in Punjab, marking the highest number in a single year. A stroll through Chandigarh’s Plaza Market in Sector 17 reveals a shift in focus among agents towards European and Oceanic countries. The once prominent “Study in Canada” signboards along the roadsides have now disappeared.

“Education in many European and Oceanic countries is more affordable. Students are now eager to secure admissions in colleges in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand,” explains Gurtej Singh.

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