India Leads in International Student Non-Compliance in Canada
Alarming Rise in Non-Compliance Among Indian Students in Canada
India-Canada: Nearly 50,000 international students were unaccounted for in Canada during March and April 2024, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data quoted by The Globe and Mail. Representing 6.9% of all tracked students, this statistic has sparked intense scrutiny over Canada’s international education system and immigration policies.
Among these students, nearly 20,000 hailed from India, contributing to 5.4% of the Indian international student cohort. India, as the largest source of international students to Canada, also represented the most significant contributor to non-compliance figures.
Investigations into Illegal Migration Networks
The Indian government is investigating alleged connections between some Canadian colleges and illegal migration networks operating in India. A segment of students is suspected of crossing the Canada-US border illegally instead of attending classes, raising red flags over the integrity of the study permit process.
However, immigration expert Henry Lotin believes that most Indian no-shows remain in Canada, working while striving to secure permanent residency. This trend reflects a growing reliance on study permits as a gateway to Canada’s immigration system. Lotin also highlighted a sharp increase in international students seeking asylum, which further complicates the situation.
Global Disparities in Non-Compliance Rates
The issue of international student non-compliance extends beyond India. Countries like China, Iran, and the Philippines also recorded concerning figures.
- China: 6.4% of students failed to show up.
- Iran: 11.6%, indicating a significant issue.
- Rwanda: A staggering 48.1% non-compliance rate—the highest among all nations.
- Philippines: A comparatively lower figure of 2.2%.
These variations underscore the need for tailored strategies to address non-compliance based on country-specific trends.
Compliance Measures and New Regulations
Under policies introduced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller in November 2023, colleges and universities must report the enrolment status of international students twice a year. Non-compliant institutions face suspension from admitting international students for up to one year.
Despite these measures, the data reveals systemic gaps. An additional 23,514 students, or 3.3% of those tracked, were unaccounted for due to incomplete reporting by educational institutions. Combined, this suggests that over 10% of student visa holders lack proper oversight—a first-time revelation thanks to IRCC’s comprehensive tracking.
Calls for Transparency and Tighter Regulations
Immigration experts like David Matas and policymakers like Tom Kmiec have criticized the current system, calling for:
- Better Tracking: Introducing stricter enrolment verification methods.
- Limiting Foreign Agents: Matas recommended restricting visa applications to regulated Canadian lawyers and consultants to reduce fraud.
- Upfront Payments: Lotin emphasized the need for mandatory higher initial tuition payments to deter non-serious applicants.
Kmiec, a Conservative immigration critic, accused the federal government of mismanagement, citing inadequate oversight and a fragmented system.
Addressing the Canada-India Connection
The Canada-India relationship is under scrutiny, with authorities from both nations investigating:
- Smuggling Networks: Allegations of human trafficking linked to Canadian institutions.
- Non-Compliant Institutions: Efforts to identify and penalize schools failing to report enrolments accurately.
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