The issuance of study permits to Indian students in Canada witnessed a significant decline towards the end of last year, following the expulsion of Canadian diplomats by India, who were responsible for processing these permits. A top Canadian official informed Reuters that the decrease was also attributed to fewer Indian students applying, stemming from a diplomatic dispute concerning the murder of a Khalistani terrorist in Canada.
In an interview, Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed skepticism about a quick rebound in the number of study permits for Indian students, emphasizing that the diplomatic tensions are likely to have a prolonged impact. The dispute escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested in June that there was evidence linking Indian agents to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
According to Miller, the strained relationship with India has significantly impeded the processing of applications from India, effectively halving their capacity. In October, Canada was compelled to withdraw two-thirds of its staff, or 41 diplomats, from India on the orders of New Delhi. Additionally, the dispute has prompted Indian students to explore educational opportunities in other countries, further contributing to the decline in study permits.
Official data, not previously reported, reveals an 86% drop in study permits issued to Indians in the fourth quarter of the previous year compared to the previous quarter, plummeting from 108,940 to 14,910. C. Gurus Ubramanian, counselor for the High Commission of India in Ottawa, pointed out that concerns about inadequate residential and teaching facilities at some Canadian institutions have also influenced Indian students to consider alternative options.
Indians have constituted the largest group of international students in Canada in recent years, receiving over 41% of all permits in 2022, totaling 225,835. Miller acknowledged the potential long-term impact on diplomatic relations and expressed uncertainty about a resolution, especially if charges are filed by the police.
Canadian universities, heavily reliant on international students as a significant revenue source, face a financial blow due to the slowdown. These students contribute approximately C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) annually to the Canadian economy. The government’s 2023 projections anticipated 900,000 international students in Canada, with Indians comprising 40% of that total, amounting to about 360,000 students. Although the number of permits for Indian students declined by 4% last year, they remained the largest international student group in Canada.
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