Canada has long been a favored destination for Indian students pursuing higher education, drawn by its reputed institutions, work opportunities, and pathways to permanent residency. However, a shocking revelation has surfaced—nearly 20,000 Indian students who traveled to Canada for education have vanished from official college records, leaving authorities baffled about their whereabouts.

The Shocking Discovery

According to a recent Times of India report, these students never enrolled in any legitimate educational institution. Many have taken up odd jobs for survival, while some have fallen prey to fraudulent colleges. In several instances, students who failed to secure admission in reputed universities opted for lesser-known institutions, only to realize upon arrival that their chosen colleges were either fake or lacked proper infrastructure.

Duped by Fake Colleges and Agents

A heartbreaking example is that of a 24-year-old student from Panchkula, Haryana, who believed he had gained admission to a well-known college in Brampton. Upon arriving in Canada, he discovered that the address mentioned in his admission letter led to a small office with no classrooms. He was initially told that classes were full and was asked to wait. It took him weeks to realize that the entire institution was a scam. Fortunately, he had only paid Rs. 4.2 lakh of the Rs. 12 lakh tuition fee.

This student, like many others, was misled by unscrupulous agents who operate remotely. Often, these agents communicate with prospective students solely through phone calls, promising an easy financial route by suggesting part-time jobs to cover tuition fees. With limited knowledge of Canadian regulations, students land in an unfamiliar country, only to find themselves stranded.

Intentional Visa Misuse?

While some students are victims of fraud, others have reportedly misused the student visa system to enter Canada primarily for work. Unlike countries like the U.S. and Australia, Canada does not require international students to pay their tuition fees upfront. This loophole has made it easier for individuals to enter the country without genuine academic intentions.

Reports indicate that some of these students may have used Canada as a transit route to illegally enter the United States. However, Henry Lotin, a former federal economist and immigration expert, clarified that most of the missing Indian students are still in Canada, working low-wage jobs and attempting to secure permanent residency. Lotin noted a sharp rise in international students seeking asylum in Canada, suggesting that at least 10% of student visa holders remain unaccounted for.

Who Are These Students?

Most of the students in question hail from Indian states such as Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Their motivations vary—some sought a genuine education but fell victim to scams, while others intentionally bypassed the system to gain work opportunities.

One such case is that of a 27-year-old from Valsad, Gujarat. He enrolled in a community college with a two-year course fee of ₹7.5 lakh, a significantly cheaper option compared to a master’s degree in Canada, which costs nearly three times as much. Aware that his approach was illegal, he justified his actions by pointing out that even students from reputed colleges end up doing similar low-paying jobs while carrying massive student loans. Currently, he juggles two jobs—one at a restaurant and another as a food delivery rider—to send money back home.

Similarly, a 26-year-old from Khammam, Telangana, who was admitted to a college in Surrey, never attended classes. Instead, he now works full-time at a mobile shop, earning a cash salary of just seven dollars per hour. Another 25-year-old from Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, now works as a delivery agent in Toronto instead of pursuing his studies.

The Bigger Picture: Cracks in the System

This issue exposes serious loopholes in Canada’s international student admission system. The absence of a stringent upfront fee requirement makes it easier for non-genuine students to enter the country under the guise of education. Moreover, lax regulations on private colleges allow fraudulent institutions to thrive, taking advantage of unsuspecting students who invest their life savings into a dream that quickly turns into a nightmare.

Indian students and their families must exercise caution before investing in overseas education. Thorough research, verifying college credentials, and seeking guidance from authorized consultants can prevent falling victim to such scams. Meanwhile, Canadian authorities need to tighten regulations, enforce stricter vetting processes, and crack down on fraudulent educational institutions.

Final Thoughts

The disappearance of 20,000 Indian students in Canada is not just a statistic—it is a distressing reality that reflects deeper systemic flaws. Some have been deceived, while others have knowingly exploited the system. Regardless of intent, this situation underscores the need for better oversight and accountability in international student migration.

As Canada continues to welcome students from across the world, it is crucial to address these concerns and ensure that the country remains a destination for quality education rather than a loophole for immigration. The question remains—where exactly are these 20,000 students, and what does their future hold?