With the enactment of a law granting immigration officers full authority to modify visa status, foreign students, including Malayalis, are facing growing concerns. Canada has introduced these new visa regulations as part of its efforts to reduce immigration.
Reports from various national media outlets indicate that the number of unexpected visa cancellations for students who arrived in Canada with all required documentation is increasing. Visa applications are now subject to stricter scrutiny, and even students with strong academic records are facing difficulties. It is estimated that this year alone, around 7,000 Indian students could have their visas revoked. A significant number of Malayali students are currently pursuing various courses in Canada.
According to Dr. S. Raj, founder and managing director of FairFuture Overseas Education Consultancy, the primary reason for the uncertainty among foreign students is private colleges that lack proper facilities. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government relaxed regulations for private educational institutions, leading to a surge in business-driven establishments. However, many of these institutions did not have the necessary infrastructure.
Raj pointed out that students enrolling in one-year courses often get only 7-8 months of actual study time. Additionally, students at private colleges do not qualify for post-study work permits, making their future in Canada uncertain. Many students also struggle to find proper accommodation. Due to the rising number of such complaints, the Canadian government has now tightened its regulations. Moving forward, students at private colleges will no longer be eligible for work permits.
The government is prioritizing courses aligned with Canada’s future workforce needs. Only students enrolled in these selected courses will be granted work permits. Raj warned that those traveling to Canada without a clear understanding of these changes may face severe consequences.
Under the revised visa regulations, Canadian immigration officers have been granted complete authority over matters related to foreign nationals. They can now cancel or reject electronic travel documents, including e-visas and temporary resident visas, at their discretion.
Additionally, they have the power to revoke work permits and student visas for newly arriving individuals, raising concerns among international students.
The government has taken this strict stance after identifying numerous cases of students overstaying in Canada beyond their visa validity.
