India is undoubtedly a young country. Half of the country’s population falls within the working age group, between 18 and 35. India lacks a significant and active plan to provide employment to unemployed youth, so many young people flee to foreign countries to make their fortunes. Young people who travel abroad typically cite studies as a reason, finding it more convenient to travel abroad as students. Such young people migrate in large numbers to countries like Canada, the United States, Latvia, Finland, and others. Parts of Canada are even called “another Punjab.” There is no shortage of young people heading to the United States, England, the Gulf countries, and Russia. Study visas are more common in Canada. From there, they can obtain a US visa or even manage to cross the border to enter the United States.
Now Canada has tightened its immigration rules. These countries believe that Indian youth are willing to work in their countries at very low rates, hence the natives of Canada or other countries neither get proper employment nor proper salary. In the new policy implemented in Canada and America, their own interests are considered first. Due to this, it has become difficult for Indian youth to go and stay in these countries. Canada has also changed its strategy after tightening the immigration. A target has also been set to give visa decision within 14 days.
Strictness has been increased for young people coming to India for diploma and graduate studies after completing 12th grade. Graduate students are being given priority. PhD applicants applying for a PhD in their home country will have their visa process processed within 14 days. These young people will be allowed to bring their spouses and children with them if they have them. This means that research in India is already very limited.
Now, our students will go to Canada to conduct research and provide Canada with the benefits of their PhDs or advanced technical knowledge. Canada’s new rules will benefit its own country. Recently, the US also announced a Golden Visa for such technically trained students. On the other hand, the number of study permits for Indian students in Canada in 2024 was approximately 188,000, which will decrease to 94,000 in 2025, a 50 percent decrease. Now, Canada will benefit from Indian researchers, and opportunities for undergraduates will decrease.