20,000 Indian Students Skip Canadian Studies
Nearly 20,000 Indian students were reported as “no-shows” at their designated colleges in Canada during March and April 2024, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This figure represents 5.4% of the total Indian student population tracked by the agency, which amounted to 327,646 enrolled students at that time.
Overall Non-Compliance: Approximately 50,000 international students were reported as no-shows, accounting for 6.9% of all study permit holders in Canada during the same period. Indian students formed the largest group among these non-compliant individuals.
Reasons for Non-Compliance: Many of these students are believed to have used their study permits as a means to enter Canada and subsequently cross into the United States illegally. Reports suggest that a significant number may still be residing in Canada but are working instead of attending classes, with aspirations of securing permanent residency.
Investigations and Concerns: Indian law enforcement agencies are investigating potential links between certain Canadian colleges and illegal migration networks in India. Allegations have surfaced regarding fraudulent practices, including the issuance of fake acceptance letters for students from specific regions in India.
Regulatory Response: The Canadian government has been urged to implement stricter regulations and monitoring measures to address the rising issue of non-compliance among international students. Immigration expert Henry Lotin suggested that requiring upfront payments from students could help mitigate abuses of the system.
This situation highlights ongoing concerns about the integrity of Canada’s international student program and the challenges faced by both students and regulatory bodies in managing compliance effectively.
