Recent policy changes by the Canadian Government have led to a significant decline in Indian student enrolment, changing the previously favourable scenario for international students from India. The largest national group will account for 37% of study visas issued in 2023Now facing new challenges. Several factors have influenced the number of Indian students choosing Canada as their educational destination.

The decline in Indian student enrolment in Canada has been attributed to recent policy changes, financial burdens, diplomatic tensions, stricter work permit criteria and increased scrutiny. Canadian government policies, including limited study permits and strict eligibility criteria, hinder access for Indian students.

In 2023, about 319,000 Indian students moved to Canada. However, starting in 2024, the Canadian government has capped the number of study permits approved to about 360,000, a 35% drop from the previous year, data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows.

This limit is distributed across provinces and territories based on population in order to stabilize the number of international students. As a result, it has become even more difficult for Indian students to obtain permits.

Additionally, it is estimated that students from Punjab alone spend over INR 68,000 crore annually on education in Canada, indicating the significant financial impact of these policy changes.

Dramatic reduction in study permits

From October to December 2023, Study permits issued to Indian students drop by 86%From 108,940 to 14,910.

This was done after India kicked out Canadian diplomats who would process the permits and fewer Indian students applied because of the diplomatic row. Killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar,

Indian students constitute over 41% of Canada’s international student population, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth.

It is estimated that the students Punjab alone spends more than Rs 68,000 crore annually on education in CanadaOf the 225,450 Indian students granted study permits in 2022, 1.36 lakh were from Punjab.

Currently around 3.4 lakh students from Punjab study in Canada.

Despite their economic contribution, international students, including those from India, are caught up in Canada’s housing and job challenges.

Prospective Indian students must now demonstrate they have access to $20,635, significantly higher than the $10,000 requirement that was in place for the past twenty years, in addition to covering travel and tuition costs.

Gurtej Sandhu, a Chandigarh-based immigration consultant, told India Today TV that there are several other issues between India and Canada apart from the diplomatic tensions. Factors driving the decline in the number of international students from India,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller announced policies that include limits on study permit applications, stricter eligibility criteria for the Postgraduate Work Permit Program, and restricted access to open work permits for spouses of international students.

From September 1, 2024, international students attending programs under course licensing agreements will not be eligible for a postgraduate work permit.

Canada’s strict work permit criteria

Canada has introduced a new rule for international students, including those from India, limiting off-campus work to a maximum of 24 hours per week from September 2024.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller announced that the temporary policy allows students to work for more than one day. The 20 hours per week off-campus period will end on April 30, 2024,

These agreements often involve private colleges teaching the curriculum of government colleges, which has been popular among Indian students. According to IRCC, this change removes a key incentive for these students.

Additionally, under the new rules, open work permits for spouses have been limited to students studying in master’s and doctoral programs.

This change may discourage Indian students from attending graduate or college programs in Canada, as it will affect their families’ ability to work and support themselves.

The update to the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants increases the financial burden on students, potentially discouraging students from India who are already facing serious financial challenges.

In addition, starting December 1, 2023, designated educational institutions will be required to confirm each acceptance letter directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This additional layer of scrutiny prevents fraud, but slows down the application process and increases stress for Indian students.

Therefore, there are several factors that are contributing to the decline in enrolment of Indian students in Canada, including recent policy changes, financial burdens, diplomatic tensions, stricter work permit criteria and increased scrutiny.