Indian students panic as Canada tightens study visa rules

Canada has recently implemented stricter immigration regulations affecting international students, including those from India. These measures have led to increased visa rejections, permit cancellations, and heightened scrutiny of applications, causing significant concern among prospective and current students.

Key Changes:

• Enhanced Authority for Officials: Effective January 31, 2025, Canadian immigration officers have broader powers to revoke study and work permits. Permits can now be annulled in cases of misrepresentation, administrative errors, or security concerns.
• Financial Requirements: Applicants for the Fall 2025 intake are now required to provide a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635, a substantial increase that poses financial challenges for many Indian families.
• Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility: Starting November 1, 2024, eligibility criteria for the PGWP have become more stringent. Graduates from bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs remain eligible for up to three years. However, international students graduating from college certificate or diploma programs are now eligible only if their work aligns with high-demand labor market areas designated by each province or territory.

Impact on Indian Students:

These regulatory changes have led to a surge in inquiries to study abroad consultants in India, as students and their families seek clarity and assistance. The increased financial burden, coupled with the possibility of permit revocations and stricter compliance standards, has heightened anxiety among Indian students considering Canada as a study destination.

Government's Stance:

The Canadian government asserts that these measures aim to curb fraud, enhance border security, and maintain the integrity of temporary residence programs. The reforms also seek to address public concerns over housing shortages, healthcare strain, and the rapid growth of the temporary resident population, which increased from 437,000 in 2019 to 1.2 million in 2023.

In summary, Canada's tightened study visa rules have introduced significant challenges for Indian students, necessitating careful planning and compliance with the new requirements to pursue educational opportunities in the country.