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With federal elections looming in Canada by October, the trajectory of its immigration policies remains uncertain
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For now, Indian students are broadening their horizons, seeking safer and more cost-effective alternatives for their academic pursuits
Indian students, once drawn in large numbers to Canada for higher education, are now reconsidering their choices due to escalating diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa, aljazeera.com reported.
This shift has also impacted education consultants and reshaped global migration trends for Indian students.
Manpreet Singh, a 22-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, represents the growing apprehension among students. He initially planned to study in Canada, home to a significant Sikh diaspora. However, political frictions following allegations over the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada have altered his course. “Canada was my top choice, but my parents now prefer Europe for my education, prioritizing safety,” he shared.
The dispute has strained ties, with Canada expelling Indian diplomats and India responding in kind. This political standoff has left aspiring students and their families concerned about personal safety and future prospects abroad.
Decline in Interest for Canada
Education consultants across India report a notable decline in inquiries about Canadian institutions. Pratibha Jain, founder of Eduabroad, highlighted a 10% dip in interest for Canadian universities. “Students are now exploring alternatives in the UK, Australia, Dubai, and Europe,” she noted.
Canada’s domestic policies have further compounded the issue. The government recently capped international student permit applications, reducing intake by 35% in 2024 and planning an additional 10% reduction in 2025. This restriction, coupled with increased costs, has discouraged many Indian students.
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Manan Gupta, a Canadian immigration consultant, added that the situation also affects Canada’s economy
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“International students contributed $37.3 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2022
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However, inadequate infrastructure and political uncertainty are making parents hesitant to send their children,” Gupta explained
Economic Impact on Consultants
The northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi have long served as hubs for educational consultancy services, generating significant revenue. Gurtej Singh Sandhu, a Chandigarh-based consultant, explained that many firms have had to downsize or shut operations due to dwindling demand. “Canada-related business now constitutes just 20-25% of consultancy revenue,” he said.
Rising Costs and Policy Changes
For international students, Canada’s Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) fee has more than doubled to CAD 20,635. Additionally, the Canadian government has barred private and public-private colleges from issuing open work permits. This change, limiting post-graduation work opportunities, has particularly affected Indian students who often use these permits as a pathway to settlement.
Maninder Singh Arora, founder of Apexvisas, pointed to high housing costs and a shortage of accommodations as further deterrents. “We’ve seen a significant drop in students choosing Canada. While demand persists, the high expenses and negative perception are discouraging,” he said.
Broader Implications
While Canada remains a top destination for Indian students, the diplomatic fallout and restrictive immigration policies are pushing students to explore other nations. For 2024, Canada hosts 427,000 Indian students—41% of its international student population. However, other countries like the US, UK, and Germany are seeing a gradual increase in student inflows.
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