‘Look for students beyond India’: Canadian govt asks higher educational institutions

In a bid to promote diversity, the Canadian government has asked its higher educational institutions to “look for students beyond India” which is currently the largest source country of foreign students.

Last week, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller during a media interaction in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) made the statement, adding that “it doesn’t mean that Indian students aren’t some of the best and brightest.”

“I would say universities and colleges have been going to one or two source countries and constantly going back to the well on that and we expect the diversity of students. That doesn’t mean that Indian students aren’t some of the best and brightest. Indeed, (as) one of the largest populations in the world, you would expect students to come from India,” he said.

He stated that he has “asked universities and colleges” to “put a little more effort into the price of acquisition” and “to invest more in the talent that you’re bringing here, and that includes going to more countries and expanding your resources”, according to a video of the interaction shared by the outlet Prime Asia TV.

“And that is a message that is ongoing as universities and colleges are asked to not only rebrand but change their pitch to attract people from around the world from different countries. There will always be some students from India,” he added.

Miller emphasized that Canada must focus on excellence and quality rather than quantity.

He also clarified that Canada will not follow in the footsteps of the Trump administration regarding illegal immigrants. However, he added, “If you are here in an irregular fashion and don’t have a right to stay, you need to leave or you will be removed.”

He said that the condition applies to those who had post-graduate work permits (PGWPs) expiring.

Miller also noted that international students coming to Canada must understand they come here for education without the “guarantee” of permanent residency or attaining Canadian citizenship.

With PGWPs set to expire, tens of thousands of international students risk losing their immigration status this year unless they secure permanent residency or another visa. Miller admitted that the situation would be challenging for the government and said Ottawa was closely monitoring developments. As a result, many will have to leave the country. “People’s hopes will be dashed to an extent,” he acknowledged.