<p>The deportation images from America have moved beyond the headlines now, or so it seems. News from Canada, USA’s northern neighbour, is also causing heartburn for many. </p><p>Though real numbers are hard to get, there is a lot of anecdotal information about the exodus of Indian students from Canada. Canada, known for its welcoming immigration policies and high quality of life, attracts thousands of international students each year. Besides India, China, and the Philippines, many other countries see young people seeking better education and career opportunities.</p>.<p>Canada is seen as a friendlier destination with numerous advantages, including pathways to permanent residency and quick job placements. However, there are significant challenges in securing meaningful careers and a secure future. Besides the gap between one’s imagination and the reality on the ground, the real issues include housing, job market competition, and exploitative practices of some operators taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of a foreign student.</p>.<p><strong>Opportunities in Canada</strong></p>.<p>Canada boasts a world-class education system, a multicultural environment, and a stable economy. The Canadian government has introduced policies like the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP), which allows students to work in Canada after completing their studies. However, recent policy changes have impacted international student numbers. In 2024, the federal government issued 45% fewer study permits than the previous year, aiming to reduce the number of temporary residents.</p>.<p>Over the past year, Canada has fallen from the top study destination to third place due to policy changes that prospective students have found unwelcoming. As a result, many students have paused or deferred their study permit applications, according to data from ApplyBoard, an online platform connecting learning institutions with international students.</p>.<p><strong>The reality of survival jobs</strong></p>.<p>Despite the opportunities, many international students struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications. Instead of securing roles in their field of study, they often end up in “survival jobs” in retail, food service, or manual labour. These jobs do not reflect their education or skills, leading to frustration and disillusionment. The so-called Permanent Residency (PR) does not automatically solve all challenges. Even after securing PR, many individuals must take on second jobs—often survival jobs—to make ends meet.</p>.<p>A key issue is the mismatch between the skills international students bring and the demands of the Canadian job market. Employers often prioritize candidates with Canadian experience, leaving international students disadvantaged.</p>.<p><strong>The need for research before immigration</strong></p>.<p>Before deciding to study in Canada, international students must thoroughly research the labour market and immigration policies. Students should be aware of the competitive job market and the possibility of working in unrelated fields.</p>.<p>A report by Statistics Canada reveals that international student graduates earn 19.6% less than Canadian graduates three years after completing their studies, with lower annual incomes across all levels of education. Based on data from a 2023 national survey of 2020 graduates, the findings highlight the wage disparity and job inequities international students face.</p>.<p>The picture is not all doom and gloom. However, there is no substitute for thorough research, setting expectations, and being adequately prepared before immigrating to a particular country—Canada or any other international destination. Researching the labour market can help students make informed decisions about their programmes, study locations, and target industries. Understanding the demand for specific skills in Canada is crucial to avoid disappointment after graduation.</p>.<p><strong>The “otherness” factor and scapegoating</strong></p>.<p>In recent years, international students, particularly those from South Asia, have faced increasing discrimination in Canada. Despite the country’s reputation for inclusivity, many students report racism and xenophobia. Economic pressures have exacerbated these issues, with some domestic workers viewing international students as competition for jobs. International students are often scapegoated for societal issues like unemployment and housing shortages. Canada is not unique, as we see this trend globally.</p>.<p>What can be done differently?</p>.<p>There are many reasons why some Indian states have more international students moving to Canada. Regardless of which part of India a student is migrating from, the onus lies on all the stakeholders—from the students’ families to the intermediary agencies and the government institutions to re-position the process. The system should offer improved career counselling and guidance to students. Central and state agencies should drive this. Partnering with Canadian institutions could help establish structured pathways for students to gain relevant work experience while studying.</p>.<p>Training programs focused on in-demand skills, such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and soft skills, could better equip students for the global job market. Many families invest significant amounts in sending their children abroad, often depending on consultants who charge hefty fees but fail to fulfil their promises. This leaves students financially burdened and ill-prepared for the challenges of studying and working in Canada. Improved regulation of immigration agencies and counselling not just for the students but also for the parents is needed.</p>.<p>Considered risks and good rewards</p>.<p>The grass is always greener on the other side, it is said. While Canada offers significant opportunities for international students, the challenges are real. Survival jobs may not work for all, as career goals and aspirations vary widely.</p>.<p>Today, international students are expected to navigate a complex landscape with an overlay of geopolitics and TRP-enhancing headlines. Yet, global exposure and venturing beyond one’s boundaries can always come with adequate personal and professional rewards. The times call for thorough research and planning at the individual level and greater awareness building at the systemic level.</p>.<p><em>(Pallavi Anand is a 2015 batch civil servant at the IRS who completed her Master’s in Public Policy at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Venkatesh Raghavendra is a social entrepreneur who works on youth entrepreneurship)</em></p>
<p>The deportation images from America have moved beyond the headlines now, or so it seems. News from Canada, USA’s northern neighbour, is also causing heartburn for many. </p><p>Though real numbers are hard to get, there is a lot of anecdotal information about the exodus of Indian students from Canada. Canada, known for its welcoming immigration policies and high quality of life, attracts thousands of international students each year. Besides India, China, and the Philippines, many other countries see young people seeking better education and career opportunities.</p>.<p>Canada is seen as a friendlier destination with numerous advantages, including pathways to permanent residency and quick job placements. However, there are significant challenges in securing meaningful careers and a secure future. Besides the gap between one’s imagination and the reality on the ground, the real issues include housing, job market competition, and exploitative practices of some operators taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of a foreign student.</p>.<p><strong>Opportunities in Canada</strong></p>.<p>Canada boasts a world-class education system, a multicultural environment, and a stable economy. The Canadian government has introduced policies like the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP), which allows students to work in Canada after completing their studies. However, recent policy changes have impacted international student numbers. In 2024, the federal government issued 45% fewer study permits than the previous year, aiming to reduce the number of temporary residents.</p>.<p>Over the past year, Canada has fallen from the top study destination to third place due to policy changes that prospective students have found unwelcoming. As a result, many students have paused or deferred their study permit applications, according to data from ApplyBoard, an online platform connecting learning institutions with international students.</p>.<p><strong>The reality of survival jobs</strong></p>.<p>Despite the opportunities, many international students struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications. Instead of securing roles in their field of study, they often end up in “survival jobs” in retail, food service, or manual labour. These jobs do not reflect their education or skills, leading to frustration and disillusionment. The so-called Permanent Residency (PR) does not automatically solve all challenges. Even after securing PR, many individuals must take on second jobs—often survival jobs—to make ends meet.</p>.<p>A key issue is the mismatch between the skills international students bring and the demands of the Canadian job market. Employers often prioritize candidates with Canadian experience, leaving international students disadvantaged.</p>.<p><strong>The need for research before immigration</strong></p>.<p>Before deciding to study in Canada, international students must thoroughly research the labour market and immigration policies. Students should be aware of the competitive job market and the possibility of working in unrelated fields.</p>.<p>A report by Statistics Canada reveals that international student graduates earn 19.6% less than Canadian graduates three years after completing their studies, with lower annual incomes across all levels of education. Based on data from a 2023 national survey of 2020 graduates, the findings highlight the wage disparity and job inequities international students face.</p>.<p>The picture is not all doom and gloom. However, there is no substitute for thorough research, setting expectations, and being adequately prepared before immigrating to a particular country—Canada or any other international destination. Researching the labour market can help students make informed decisions about their programmes, study locations, and target industries. Understanding the demand for specific skills in Canada is crucial to avoid disappointment after graduation.</p>.<p><strong>The “otherness” factor and scapegoating</strong></p>.<p>In recent years, international students, particularly those from South Asia, have faced increasing discrimination in Canada. Despite the country’s reputation for inclusivity, many students report racism and xenophobia. Economic pressures have exacerbated these issues, with some domestic workers viewing international students as competition for jobs. International students are often scapegoated for societal issues like unemployment and housing shortages. Canada is not unique, as we see this trend globally.</p>.<p>What can be done differently?</p>.<p>There are many reasons why some Indian states have more international students moving to Canada. Regardless of which part of India a student is migrating from, the onus lies on all the stakeholders—from the students’ families to the intermediary agencies and the government institutions to re-position the process. The system should offer improved career counselling and guidance to students. Central and state agencies should drive this. Partnering with Canadian institutions could help establish structured pathways for students to gain relevant work experience while studying.</p>.<p>Training programs focused on in-demand skills, such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and soft skills, could better equip students for the global job market. Many families invest significant amounts in sending their children abroad, often depending on consultants who charge hefty fees but fail to fulfil their promises. This leaves students financially burdened and ill-prepared for the challenges of studying and working in Canada. Improved regulation of immigration agencies and counselling not just for the students but also for the parents is needed.</p>.<p>Considered risks and good rewards</p>.<p>The grass is always greener on the other side, it is said. While Canada offers significant opportunities for international students, the challenges are real. Survival jobs may not work for all, as career goals and aspirations vary widely.</p>.<p>Today, international students are expected to navigate a complex landscape with an overlay of geopolitics and TRP-enhancing headlines. Yet, global exposure and venturing beyond one’s boundaries can always come with adequate personal and professional rewards. The times call for thorough research and planning at the individual level and greater awareness building at the systemic level.</p>.<p><em>(Pallavi Anand is a 2015 batch civil servant at the IRS who completed her Master’s in Public Policy at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Venkatesh Raghavendra is a social entrepreneur who works on youth entrepreneurship)</em></p>