A report from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada underscores the necessity of increased cooperation between the Canadian and Indian governments to combat this issue effectively
Canada is taking decisive steps to address the growing menace of admission scams in its prestigious education system. Renowned for its world-class education, Canada has become a magnet for international students, particularly those from India.
However, a recent surge in fraudulent admission activities and the looming threat of deportation have exposed the challenges faced by international students, exacerbated by an overburdened and under-resourced Canadian immigration system.
A report from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada underscores the necessity of increased cooperation between the Canadian and Indian governments to combat this issue effectively.
Approximately 700 Indian international students in Canada are at risk of deportation due to a scam that unfolded earlier this year. This scam involved counterfeit acceptance letters to Canadian educational institutions, leaving these students in a precarious limbo as they await assessments of their individual cases by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Such widespread fraud has been a recurring problem, shedding light on the vulnerabilities faced by international students.
Canada’s federal government has been prioritizing economic growth through its immigration policies, and attracting international students has been a pivotal component of this strategy due to domestic labor shortages. Between 2015 and 2022, the number of study permits issued to international students by Ottawa increased by a remarkable 151.7 percent. In 2022, the majority of international study permit holders in Canada hailed from India, surpassing Chinese students in numbers. Indian students are drawn to Canada for reasons including the favorable exchange rate of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar and the high-quality universities. Moreover, Canada offers a more accessible path to work permits and immigration qualifications compared to other countries, especially given the stringent criteria for H-1B foreign-worker visas in the United States.
Nevertheless, hurdles persist within Canada’s immigration and recruitment system that make students susceptible to fraud. Critics argue that the support provided to international students falls short of addressing bureaucratic visa processing delays, transparency issues related to work permits, and common challenges such as food insecurity, mental health concerns, racism, and marginalization. These issues are further compounded by the rapid growth in international student enrollment, surpassing planned permanent immigration quotas.
In response to the deportation threat faced by international students due to fraudulent acceptance letters, former Canadian immigration minister Sean Fraser announced the establishment of a task force in June. This task force, comprising senior officials from IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency, aims to identify victims of fraud among international students. Fraser pledged not to deport honest international students and promised to issue Temporary Resident Visas to those genuinely intending to continue their studies. However, the criteria for distinguishing genuine intent from involvement in fraudulent activities remain unclear, potentially leading to subjective decision-making, inconsistencies, disputes, and damage to Canada’s reputation in India.
Recent incidents involving private Canadian colleges allegedly misleading Indian students about admissions highlight a lack of adequate institutional and government oversight during the recruitment and admissions processes, especially within private institutions
Indian students are increasingly seeking education opportunities abroad, lured by promises of enhanced economic mobility and career prospects. The global population of Indian international students is projected to reach 1.8 million by 2024.
Yet, studying abroad carries risks, including various types of fraud. Common schemes involve phishing scams that trick students into divulging personal details to resolve visa issues or fictitious fines, as well as ‘ghost consultants’ who offer admissions for exorbitant fees and then disappear after collecting funds.
Recent incidents involving private Canadian colleges allegedly misleading Indian students about admissions highlight a lack of adequate institutional and government oversight during the recruitment and admissions processes, especially within private institutions.
The way forward involves two key strategies:
- Digital Safety and Awareness: Promoting digital safety and security can help mitigate fraud, especially since many ghost consultants operate within India. The Indian government can play a pivotal role in cracking down on fraudulent and unlicensed immigration services. In Canada, provincial governments should allocate funding for support services, similar to the efforts of non-profit organizations like One Voice Canada, which aid vulnerable international students.
- Refining Immigration Policies for Students: Canada’s ambitious goal of welcoming up to 500,000 permanent residents annually by 2025 places an emphasis on Indians due to their significant presence among international students. This underscores the need for substantial resource allocation at the federal level to provide comprehensive support for newcomers. Government agencies, businesses, designated learning institutions, and local communities all have crucial roles to play in developing strategies to support and sustain international students in Canada.
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