As per current data compiled by student visa processing agencies, an astounding ₹68,000 crore is invested annually by students from Punjab in pursuit of education in Canada.
The data reveals that approximately 3.4 lakh Punjabi students are presently enrolled in various educational institutions across Canada. This substantial influx of students underscores the attractiveness of Canada among Punjabi youth, attributed to its flexible education policies, employment prospects, and favorable post-graduation immigration avenues.
The surge in foreign enrolment for higher studies among Punjab’s students has been significant, with Canada emerging as the preferred destination. In 2022, Canada approved a total of 226,450 visas under the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), with a notable portion, around 1.36 lakh students, hailing from Punjab. These students pursue diverse courses with an average duration of two to three years.
The Khalsa Vox publication reports that the presence of Punjabi students on Canadian campuses represents a remarkable trend, with nearly 60 percent of all Indian students heading to Canada being of Punjabi origin.
Each Punjabi student pays an average annual fee of 17,000 Canadian dollars, according to Kamal Bhumla, Chairman of the Association of Consultants for Overseas Studies.
However, this substantial influx of students has also brought to light issues of corruption, as some agencies promise admissions to prestigious Canadian institutions. Canadian authorities have identified cases where students resided in Canada on student visas but submitted fraudulent admission documents. This matter came to light when these students, after completing their studies, applied for permanent residency in Canada. The Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) uncovered the fraudulent documents, resulting in deportation orders for approximately 700 students. Yet, the Canadian authorities temporarily halted these deportation orders.
