Canada’s rise as a premier destination for international students has been nothing short of remarkable, and nowhere is this more evident than in its growing popularity among Indian students. According to Statistics Canada, as of April 2024, over one million valid study visas were issued in the country. Estimates suggest that around 427,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Canadian institutions. A report by ApplyBoard reveals that in the first half of 2024 (January–June), Canada approved 55,500 post-secondary study permits for Indian students, making up 49% of all international post-secondary students. This proportion remained stable compared to 2023 (51%), and with an 85% approval rate, visa rejections haven’t posed a significant hurdle for Indian applicants.
However, despite these strong numbers, a troubling report has surfaced—nearly 20,000 Indian students have not joined their respective colleges or universities after arriving in Canada, and the government has no record of their whereabouts. While this might seem alarming, the reality is more complex.
According to a TNN report, many of these ‘missing’ students have taken up odd jobs to sustain themselves. Some fell victim to fraudulent colleges, while others intentionally misused the student visa system to enter Canada for work instead of education.

How Did 20,000 Indian Students ‘Disappear’ in Canada?

What are the main reasons behind students ‘disappearing’ in Canada? It comes down to two key factors: The rise of fraudulent colleges, where students fall victim to scams, and the misuse of student visas, where some intentionally use the system as a gateway to enter the country rather than for education.
The Rise of Fraudulent Colleges
One of the primary reasons behind the issue is the existence of fake or deceptive educational institutions. Many students, eager to study in Canada, fail to thoroughly research their chosen colleges and end up falling victim to scams.
Take the case of a 24-year-old Indian student who believed he had secured admission to a reputed college in Brampton. Upon arrival, he discovered that the so-called “college” was merely a small office with no classrooms, reports TNN.
TNN has quoted him saying, “They told me classes were full and asked me to wait,” he recounted. “Weeks passed, and I realized the college was a scam. Fortunately, I had only paid ₹4.2 lakh of the total ₹12 lakh tuition fee.”
Now, instead of attending lectures, he is working at a local gas station to support himself.
The Misuse of Student Visas
While some students are victims of fraud, others have deliberately exploited loopholes in Canada’s student visa system.
Unlike countries like the US or Australia, Canada does not require international students to prepay tuition fees before arrival. This makes the system vulnerable to misuse, as students can enter on a study permit and then prioritize working over studying.
Many opt for low-cost community colleges instead of top universities, using it as a gateway into Canada. Once there, they take up jobs instead of attending classes, with hopes of eventually securing permanent residency (PR).
A 27-year-old student from Gujarat admitted to taking this route:
“Many people from my region have done this, and I followed suit. I know it’s illegal, but this was my only way in. Besides, even those who joined good colleges are doing the same jobs as me. They have loans of ₹25 lakh or more,” he told TNN in an interaction.
Currently, he juggles two jobs—one at a restaurant and another as a food delivery partner at night—to send money back home.

The Bigger Picture: What Is Canada Doing About It?

The Canadian government is aware of these trends and has started taking action to crack down on fraudulent institutions and visa loopholes. To combat fraud and ensure students are enrolled in legitimate institutions, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced stricter student visa regulations. As per the New Visa Regulations (Effective November 2024)
Regular Verification: Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) will now be required to regularly verify students’ academic status and ensure that acceptance letters are authentic.
Strict Monitoring: Twice a year, DLIs must submit reports to IRCC confirming whether students holding study permits remain enrolled.
Tighter Restrictions: DLIs that fail to comply with these regulations may face penalties, including a one-year suspension from admitting international students.
Additionally, in September 2024, the IRCC implemented a cap on study permit applications to reduce pressure on housing, healthcare, and essential services. This led to a 40% decline in international student arrivals, helping stabilize rental markets in high-demand areas.
For 2025, the study permit allocation has been set at 437,000 permits, a 10% decrease from 2024’s 485,000 permits. The government has also updated Pre-Arrival Learning (PAL) and Temporary Admission Learning (TAL) requirements to further streamline the student intake process.
While Canada continues to welcome thousands of Indian students each year, the rise of fraudulent colleges and visa misuse poses significant challenges. The new visa policies aim to curb these issues while ensuring that students get a genuine education rather than using study permits as a backdoor to employment.
For aspiring students, the key takeaway is thorough research before choosing a college and following legal pathways to study and work in Canada. With stricter monitoring in place, misusing study permits could lead to serious consequences in the future.