Reports are coming in of Indian students protesting across Canada in response to recent immigration and work policy changes. These measures have sparked outrage, with one of the primary concerns being the tightening of work permits. The changes are causing significant distress among students, many of whom fear they may have to return to India, giving up their dreams of working and settling in Canada.
The protests highlight the increasing difficulty for international students, particularly from India, to secure permanent residency and navigate the changing immigration landscape. Canada has seen a sharp rise in Indian students, with 2.25 lakh students arriving in 2022, increasing to 2.78 lakh in 2023. From January to June 2024 alone, an additional 1 lakh Indian students have entered the country. However, strained diplomatic relations and restrictive immigration policies are casting doubts on future prospects for students hoping to make Canada their home.
Key Policy Changes Affecting International Students
Increase in Cost-of-Living Requirements
As of January 1, 2024, students must demonstrate higher financial means to qualify for a study permit. Applicants will need to show proof of CAD 20,635, nearly double the previous requirement. This amount must cover their living expenses, in addition to tuition and travel costs. The previous financial requirement, set in the early 2000s, had not been adjusted to reflect rising living costs.
Changes to Off-Campus Working Hours
The temporary pandemic policy allowing international students to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week ended on April 30, 2024. Since May 1, students were restricted to 20 hours per week, with a minor increase to 24 hours starting in September. While this is an improvement over the pre-pandemic limit of 20 hours, it falls short of the anticipated 30-hour allowance, causing concern for students relying on these earnings to cover expenses.
Cap on International Student Inflows
In January 2024, the Canadian government introduced a cap on the number of international students. For 2024, the cap will limit study permit approvals to 3.60 lakh, a significant 35% decrease from 2023’s numbers. This measure is aimed at managing Canada’s growing international student population, which surpassed 1 million by the end of 2023. The cap could further tighten in 2025, depending on a review of the current year’s intake.
Restriction on Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
Starting September 1, 2024, students enrolled in programs run by private colleges under licensing agreements with public institutions will no longer qualify for PGWPs upon graduation. This move is designed to curb the abuse of certain educational programs that have been exploiting international students by offering questionable degrees with minimal oversight.
Open Work Permits for Spouses
In a further blow to international students, spouses will only be eligible for open work permits if the student is enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program. This rule excludes spouses of students pursuing undergraduate or college degrees, leaving many families in a difficult financial situation.
Impact on Indian Students
The new policies have left Indian students feeling uncertain about their futures. Many have taken out substantial loans to fund their education in Canada, and the reduced opportunities for work and permanent residency threaten their ability to repay these loans. Families that have invested heavily in their children’s education feel the burden of these sudden changes.
The Indian student community is urging the Canadian government to reconsider the changes, arguing that international students make a significant contribution to the Canadian economy and workforce. However, Canadian authorities have so far remained firm, prioritizing domestic students and workers while aiming to prevent the exploitation of international students through dubious programs.
For now, the future of many Indian students in Canada remains uncertain as they navigate this challenging new landscape.
