Indians have emerged as the largest group of overseas students in Canada and there were 172, 625 Canada Study Visa holders from India by the end of 2018. The second position is occupied by China with 142, 985 Canada Study Visas. The Republic of Korea was a distant third with 24, 195 Visas.
| Canada Study Permit Holders by Nationality, End 2018 | |
| Country | No. of Holders |
| India | 172625 |
| China | 142985 |
| Korea | 24195 |
| France | 22754 |
| Vietnam | 20330 |
| USA | 14620 |
| Brazil | 13835 |
| Nigeria | 11290 |
| Iran | 10885 |
| Japan | 8365 |
The immigration policy of Canada under the present Federal Government aims to attract overseas students. It also encourages them to remain in Canada after graduation, as quoted by the Immigration CA.
The Student Direct Stream offers accelerated processing for applicants from some nations in Asia who fulfil other requirements. As of now, it covers Vietnam, the Philippines, China, and India.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that some eligible Study Visa candidates from specific nations have been rejected on grounds of security. The security checks have been described as tough by some critics. They have said that it is nearly impossible for applicants from some nations to obtain Study Visas. It is inclusive of Nigeria and Pakistan among others.
The Canada Study Permit success rate for applicants from India was 68% in 2015. However, it was just 32% for its neighbour Pakistan.
Colleges and Universities in Canada are making all efforts to attract overseas students. However, some are facing issues in the Visa application process. Several candidates are unable to get the needed Visa. This is in spite of having offers from Colleges and Universities.
The success rate for applications from Nigeria has improved in the past few years as per certain stakeholders. However, the applications from Pakistan continue to face issues.
Ahmed Hussen the Immigration Minister of Canada said that increased number of applications is being approved by the Liberal Government. Each application is based on its merit irrespective of the location of the applicant, he added.
Hussen said that the plans to add Pakistan to nations covered under SDS will be soon announced.
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