Canada’s new Study Visa and PR rules lead to decline in International Student enrollment, read revised rules

Ottawa:The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has implemented stricter regulations on study visas and permanent residency (PR) for international students. These changes have led to a significant decrease in student enrollment, leaving many college campuses notably empty.

The number of international students coming to Canada has dropped by 35% compared to previous years, as the government has reduced the number of student visas issued to 360,000, down from the previous year’s figure. This decline is especially evident among Indian students, who make up the largest group of foreign nationals studying in Canada. Currently, 230,000 Indian students are enrolled in Canadian institutions, but this number is projected to decline by over 80% due to the new policies.

A major factor contributing to this trend is the crackdown on private colleges and agents operating in Canada.

Many private colleges, often linked to agents from Punjab, India, had been accused of exploiting the system by offering fraudulent admissions and work permit promises. These institutions are now facing stricter scrutiny, and students attending such colleges will no longer be eligible for work permits.

Sahil Bhatia, Managing Director of Om Visa, explained that under the new regulations, open work permits will only be available to the spouses of international students enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs. Spouses of undergraduate or college students will no longer qualify for open work permits, a measure aimed at reducing fraudulent marriages.

The requirements for obtaining a student work permit have become more stringent. Students must now provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) instead of the previous Letter of Intent (LOI). This letter, issued by the relevant Canadian province, confirms the student’s eligibility to stay and study in Canada.

Furthermore, the Canadian provincial governments will now determine the number of students each college can admit, based on the institution’s infrastructure and facilities. This move is intended to ensure that colleges maintain adequate resources for their students.

Financial requirements for students have also increased. The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), which serves as proof of financial capability, has been raised from 10,000 CAD to 20,000 CAD.

These changes have significant implications for the education and immigration sectors.

Sahil Bhatia noted a sharp decline in Canadian study visa applications due to these new policies.

Canada has long been a preferred destination for Indian students seeking higher education abroad. Between 2013 and 2022, the number of Indian students in Canada increased by 260%, driven by Canada’s reputation for high-quality education and post-graduation work opportunities. However, recent policy shifts, coupled with economic factors such as rising inflation, are reshaping the landscape of international education in Canada.