The preference of Indian students for Canadian universities over U.S. institutions has seen a dramatic rise since 2013, with the number quadrupling during this period. This trend is largely attributed to Canada’s more favorable immigration policies, designed to attract and retain international talent.
Canada’s immigration policies, aimed at fostering talent retention, have led to a significant surge in Indian immigration to the country. However, recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, coupled with a temporary cap on international student permits, are anticipated to temporarily impede the number of Indian students obtaining visas for Canadian universities.
Despite these short-term challenges, the long-term impact on Indian student choices may be minimal unless there are alterations to U.S. immigration policies. Canada’s immigration policies, which feature no annual limit on high-skilled temporary visas and expedited visa processing, have positioned the country as an appealing destination for international students.
In contrast, the United States has encountered obstacles in acquiring H-1B temporary status and employment-based green cards, prompting a shift in preference among highly skilled foreign nationals, including Indian students.
The disparity in immigration policies is reflected in the statistics. Between 2013 and 2023, Indian immigration to Canada surged from 32,828 to 139,715 individuals, marking a notable 326% increase. Concurrently, Indian enrollment at Canadian universities witnessed a substantial uptick from 2,181 in 2000 to 128,928 in 2021, representing a remarkable 5,800% surge over two decades.
Conversely, Indian enrollment at U.S. universities experienced a 13% decline between 2016 and 2019, while witnessing a 182% increase at Canadian universities during the same timeframe.
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