Nearly 50,000 Foreign Students in Canada Staying Illegally, Says IRCC; India Among the Top
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reported that around 47,175 international students might be living in the country without proper authorization. These students have violated the Canadian student visa regulations by not attending classes. India has been detected as one of the leading countries with the maximum illegal students staying in Canada. There are around 40% of Indian students in Canada, making it one of the largest communities of international students. This new data could lead to the Canadian government tightening its international admission requirements and verification processes for applicants from India. For those looking to study in Canada, make sure not to provide false documentation, attend all classes, and ensure to follow all of the rules and regulations on the Canadian student visa.
This Story also Contains
- IRCC on International Students in Canada
- Is IRCC Still Processing Applications?
- How are Illegal Students Tracked in Canada?
- Decline in International Students in Canada
IRCC on International Students in Canada
The IRCC has stated that non-compliant international students are staying in Canada. It is illegal to stay in the country if you are not following the visa rules and regulations. These international students have stopped attending classes on a student visa. After missing a certain number of classes, it is illegal to stay in Canada on a student visa. The Director of Migration Integrity at IRCC, Aiesha Zafar, reported this unfortunate case at the discussion with Members of Parliament. She also stated that India is one of the top countries that has violated the student visa rules. 19,582 were Indian nationals, out of the total number of illegal students of almost 50,000. Also note that there is an IRCC work permit wherein, it grants international workers to work temporarily in Canada. Just like the visa rules for study permit in Canada, there are rules for IRCC work permit.
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Is IRCC Still Processing Applications?
Yes, IRCC is still processing applications. However, you might experience some delays in mail delivery and communication. Even though the IRCC has reported that around 50,000 international students are illegally staying in Canada, it is processing applications. The students who are not following the visa rules and not attending classes are being identified.
How are Illegal Students Tracked in Canada?
Zafar mentioned during her statement that it is the responsibility of the Canada Border Services Agency to identify and remove student visa holders who do not follow the rules in the country. Moreover, the schools are required to inform IRCC if an international student stops attending classes. In such cases, those students can be referred to the Canada Border Services Agency for enforcement actions after IRCC conducts its investigation. However, IRCC lacks a system to monitor these students if a school fails to report their absence.
Decline in International Students in Canada
Lately, Canada has experienced a decline in new study permits for Indian students. A report from ICEF Monitor stated that only 52,765 permits were granted in the first seven months of 2025. As compared to the numbers in 2024, this number is quite low. In 2024, 188,255 permits were granted in Canada. Apart from the Indian students, Canada also faced a decline in the number of total international students. As per the data recorded from January 2025 to July 2025, the numbers have reduced by 69%. In addition, the active number of study permits has also decreased by 23%. Some of the common reasons behind this decline in international students in Canada can be due to:
Policy changes
Introduction of an international student cap
Stricter approval of the study permit
Changes in visa requirements
Increasing global competition
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your career plan is valid as it provide knowledge which is relevant to become ips officer but you need to prepare for other subjects too because UPSC's ips broad syllabus includes Indian governance and current affairs too.
I advice to choose b.a in psychology in india as this avoids the need for an equivalency certificate after your graduation from canadian universities from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) that is mandatory for foreign degrees.
But still if you want to prefer canadian degree then you can consider Simon Fraser University and the University of Windsor which offer a combined degree B.A. in Psychology and Criminology.
Hope it helps...
An undergraduate degree abroad is a good investment if you pursue it in canada because it provides quality education at affordable costs, along with a clearer path to post-graduation work and permanent residency,making it a reliable option to settle abroad.
Coming to U.S. it offers top-tier universities and higher salaries, but have very high costs and a difficult visa process for international graduates.
And if you are not sure go for studying in your home country which is more affordable and offering opportunities in a growing tech sector.
Ultimately, a strong focus on finances and long-term career plans, including any desire to immigrate, will guide your decision.
Good luck!!
After completing a BSc in Biochemistry, you can pursue various courses in Canada such as MSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or Clinical Research. These programs offer advanced knowledge and open opportunities in research, healthcare, and industry.
Hello,
Yes, you can pursue MD in Radiology in Canada after completing a B.Sc. in Radiology, but you need to complete a recognized medical degree (like MBBS) first. After that, you must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and complete a residency in radiology. Alternatively, you can explore postgraduate diploma or master’s programs in medical imaging or radiology if you wish to specialize without an MD.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
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hi ,
yes , you can pursue undergraduate degree in AI ML in Canada with 65% in 12th grade , bit your options may be limited since many top universities require a minimum of 75-70% , however with some colleges or universities with flexible admission requirements may accept you .
eligibility criteria for AI /ML in Canada
academic requirement - Most top universities require 70-80% in 12th PCM for direct admission.Some colleges/universities accept students with 60-70% in 12th PCM.
English proficiency test -
(if your schooling was in English, some institutions may waive this)
- IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL: 80 – 90 (iBT)
- PTE: 50+
mathematics requirement
Since AI & ML are math-heavy, having good grades in Math (especially Calculus) will strengthen your application.
hope this helps
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