Long celebrated as a global hub for international students, Canada’s reputation is under scrutiny
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The Canadian Press
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Nearly 20,000 Indian students have failed to enroll at their designated colleges and universities in Canada, raising serious concerns about immigration fraud and misuse of the student visa system.
Several factors contribute to this issue. Many Indian students are lured by fake colleges, which operate by exploiting loopholes in the education system and using deceptive advertising. Some have also used their student visas to enter Canada and work instead of study,误导 by unregulated agents promising easier access to jobs or permanent residency.
Do Canadian Authorities Have a Handle on the Problem?
Canada has long been known as a premier destination for international students. However, recent troubling data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada indicates that in March and April 2024, 50,000 international students—20,000 from India—failed to show up at their designated institutions.
These fake colleges, often referred to as “diploma mills,” lack accreditation from recognized accrediting bodies, making their educational programs questionable. They often mislead students by claiming nonexistent accreditation or promising false job prospects and post-graduation outcomes.
Canada’s student visa system is particularly vulnerable because it does not require upfront tuition fee payments. This makes it easier for both fake colleges and visa applicants to manipulate the system.
What Are the Students Doing?
According to immigration expert Henry Lotin, most of the missing Indian students remain in Canada, often working menial jobs like restaurant service or delivery to support themselves while seeking permanent residency.
Some students might be using Canada as a gateway to illegally cross into the United States, though this is not believed to be widespread. Meanwhile, reports suggest that some students are financially and emotionally devastated, as their families invest heavily in their education, only to lose these investments if they do not enroll.
The issue extends to families who expect their children to secure high-paying jobs and send funds back home. If these students disappear, it can lead to significant financial strain.
How Is India Responding?
India’s response has been significant. Investigations have uncovered incriminating documents and digital devices, as well as frozen bank deposits, indicating potential collusion between Canadian colleges and Indian entities.
This collusion has led to increased scrutiny and demands for stricter regulations and better monitoring systems to prevent further misuse of Canada’s education visa program.
What’s Next?
The crisis is likely to prompt more stringent measures from both Canada and India to protect international students and uphold the integrity of the education system.
Stricter regulations and monitoring could potentially enhance safety and security for students and restore Canada’s reputation as a prime education destination.
As this situation unfolds, there is a growing call for transparency and accountability in the international student visa program to ensure that every student receives the education they deserve.
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