In recent years, Canada has emerged as a major education destination for international students, especially Indian students. A large number of Indian students move to Canada every year, as the country offers a world-class education system, diversity, and potential career opportunities. However, due to recent changes and strict visa policies, the student visa approval rate in Canada has dropped significantly.
Reasons for Decline in Visa Approval in Canada
- Strict Visa Regulations
Canada has made several strict changes to its visa process in the last few years, especially for Indian students. The main reason for the strict visa regulations is to deal with potential immigration fraud, admission to fake education institutions, and visa abuse. This has led visa officers to review visa applications more vigilantly, resulting in a drop in visa approval rates.
- Influence of Fake Education Institutions
There are many agents and consultants in India who lure students into low-quality and sometimes illegal education institutions. These institutions fail to provide proper education or career opportunities to students, and this increases the pressure on the Canadian government. In such cases, the government has taken strict measures and taken action against fake educational institutions. With the number of visa applications from students enrolled in these types of institutions increasing, Canada has made the student visa approval process more stringent.
- COVID-19 and economic impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a major impact on Canada’s visa process. During the pandemic, many restrictions were imposed on international movement and the education sector also faced many challenges. The pandemic also affected Canada’s economic situation, leading the government to tighten visa policy. In addition, the pandemic led to changes in immigration policies and resources, which led to a slower visa process and a decrease in the approval rate.
- Concerns of employers and the labour market
There are a variety of employment opportunities available to international students in Canada, such as part-time jobs and post-graduation work permits (PGWP). However, in some cases, the government has adopted strict visa policies keeping in mind the impact on employers and the labour market. This not only ensures the safety of workers but also tightens scrutiny of applications for work permits and employment.
Decrease in Visa Approval: Its Impact on Indian Students
- Career and Education Uncertainty
The biggest impact of a decrease in visa approval rates is on the career and education of students. For students who dream of pursuing higher education in Canada, not getting a visa affects their plans. This leads students to consider education options in other countries, such as Australia, the UK, or Europe.
- Mental Stress and Financial Loss
Not getting a student visa causes great mental stress and financial loss to students and their families. Many students spend a large amount of money to study in Canada, such as tuition fees, agents’ fees, and expenses related to the visa process. Not getting a visa wastes this money and students have to change their career direction.
- Lack of quality education opportunities
The Canadian education system is known for its world-class universities and colleges. The universities here provide students with excellent education, research opportunities, and industry engagement. Due to the decline in visa approvals, these opportunities are limited for Indian students, and they have to consider other options.
Is Canada still a good choice for higher education?
- Quality and reputation
Canada is still known for the quality and reputation of its higher education institutions. The country’s leading universities, such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, are ranked among the top universities in the world. The universities here provide students with high-level education and research opportunities, which help accelerate their career.
- Immigration and citizenship opportunities
Students studying in Canada also have work permit and permanent residency opportunities after graduation. Through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), students can work in Canada after completing their studies and apply for permanent residency. This is a great benefit for students who want to study abroad as well as live an expat life.
- Diversity and Inclusive Environment
Canada’s social and cultural environment is very diverse and inclusive. People from different cultures live together here, giving international students a safe and welcoming environment. In addition, the standard of living in Canadian cities is also very high, and people here respect immigrants.
- Economic Stability and Career Opportunities
Students in Canada have a variety of career opportunities. The strong economy and industrial base here provide international students with opportunities to work in various fields, be it IT, engineering, or business. In addition, Canada’s labour law protects workers’ rights, giving students legal protection during work.
Other options for Indian students
After the decline in visa approval rates in Canada, many Indian students are considering pursuing education in other countries. Here are some of the major options:
- Australia
Australia is becoming a major education destination for Indian students. The universities here also provide high-quality education, and Australia’s visa process is simpler than Canada. Apart from this, students in Australia also get opportunities to work along with studying.
- United Kingdom (UK)
The AK is also an attractive option for Indian students. The reputation and quality of the universities here are world-renowned. Apart from this, the UK has also simplified its post-study work visa policy, giving students a chance to work after graduation.
- Europe
Many countries in Europe, such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands, are also attracting Indian students for higher education. The universities here provide quality education and research opportunities to the students. In addition, the cost of education in many European countries is also lower than in other countries, and students also have economic benefits of living there.
What should students do after Canada’s new visa policy?
- Make a solid plan
Students wishing to pursue higher education in Canada should make their plans very solid. They should ensure that they work with a reputed education consultant or agent so that there are no mistakes in their visa application process.
- Choose authorized institutions
Students should be careful while selecting Canadian education institutions. They should only enroll in authorized and government-recognized universities and colleges so that their visa application can be successful.
