look news india
In the past few years, ‘Canada Dream’ was considered the biggest guarantee of success for the youth of Punjab and other states of India. But now a big and shocking turn has taken place in the scenario of international higher education. Canada, which was once the first choice for Indian students, is now becoming a new center of trouble for them. Tightening visa rules, drastic cuts in post-study work opportunities (PGWP), severe job crisis due to recession and security concerns have forced Indian youth to rethink their decisions. As a result, there has been a sharp decline in the number of Indian students going to Canada and a large number of youth are now bidding goodbye to Canada and looking for other safe and sustainable options.
#1. Strictness in study permit and post graduate work permit: Lale for getting visa
The Government of Canada has made sweeping changes to its immigration and work permit rules in recent months. Under the new rules, there has been a major reduction in the total number of study permits, which has led to a record increase in the visa rejection rate. Additionally, whereas earlier it was easy to get a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing a degree or diploma from any recognized college, work permits are now being granted only to those courses that are directly related to Canada’s immediate labor market needs (labor shortage). This policy change has thrown into uncertainty the future of thousands of students who had taken loans worth lakhs of rupees and came to Canada with the dream of a better future.
#1. Employment and housing crisis deepens in Canada: It is impossible to get even a part-time job
The biggest challenge faced by students going to study in Canada is financial stability. Whereas earlier students used to manage their living expenses and college fees by working part-time while studying, now the situation has become completely opposite. There is a severe shortage of local jobs due to the recession in major provinces like Ontario, British Columbia and Toronto. There are long lines of hundreds of Indian students waiting for every entry-level or part-time job. Additionally, skyrocketing rents and an expensive housing market have left students broke. Not getting a respectable job despite paying huge fees has become the main reason for the increasing mental stress and disillusionment of the students.
#1. Security stress and declining lifestyle: increased concerns of parents
Not only economic and visa problems, but also growing security concerns in various cities of Canada are scaring Indian families. Indian parents are now reluctant to send their children to Canada due to diplomatic tensions and uncertainty over security at the local level. Additionally, with the path to obtaining PR (Permanent Residency) becoming increasingly difficult and lengthy, students are realizing that the huge financial investment they have made in Canada is no longer yielding commensurate results. This environment of insecurity has completely dulled the shine of the ‘Canadian Dream’ in the minds of the youth.
#1. New destination for Indian students: Increased inclination towards Europe, New Zealand and other countries of Asia
After this crisis in Canada, the inclination of Indian students is increasing rapidly towards new educational destinations. Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and many other European countries are now emerging as preferred choices for Indian youth. These countries have transparent immigration policies, better security environment and better opportunities for skill-based employment. Experts say that if Canada does not balance its policies, then the billions of dollars of international revenue that Canadian universities and the economy receive in the coming times are sure to be dealt a deep blow.