As many UAE students prepare to head to Canada this fall for higher education, some are still waiting for their visas, while others have already encountered rejections.
Education consultants have noted that this year, more students from the UAE are opting for smaller provinces due to increased competition in larger ones like Ontario and British Columbia.
This follows the Canadian government’s recent decision to reassess the cap on international student work permits. For 2024, the limit for overseas student permits is set at approximately 360,000, down from around 560,000 issued last year.
Education consultants have highlighted that Canada has seen the fastest growth in international student populations compared to other countries, with increases of over 30 percent in 2022 and more than 27 percent in 2023.
Impact of Canada’s Two-Year Cap Rule on Work Permits
Chafic Mekkaoui, Education Consultant at Hale Education Group, noted, “With the reduction in overall study permits by 35 percent for the upcoming year compared to 2023, students are concerned about securing a study permit. However, since the cap is determined by each province’s population, we anticipate more applicants will turn to smaller provinces and have a broader selection of universities. Competition will become more intense for universities in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec.”
Mekkaoui also mentioned that the two-year plan introduces changes to the post-graduation work permit, allowing graduates from Master’s or short graduate-level programs to apply for a 3-year work permit.
“Previously, the duration of the PGWP was linked to the length of the study program. Despite these changes, UAE students continue to favor Canada due to its affordability, with generally lower tuition fees compared to institutions in Australia, the UK, and the US. Canada consistently ranks high for quality of life, placing third globally.”
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, 31 Canadian institutions are among the top in the world.
Mekkaoui added, “A recent study reveals that 60 percent of international students who were employed during or after their studies became permanent residents within 10 years of obtaining their first study permit.”
No Post-Study Work Permits at Port Entry
Consulting services have noted that the recent crackdown on flagpoling is part of Canada’s broader strategy to manage international student numbers and ensure sustainable population growth.
Flagpoling, a legal process where individuals exit and re-enter Canada to access same-day immigration services, is used by temporary residents to bypass standard wait times for work or study permits. This method involves briefly leaving the country and then returning to receive expedited processing.
Canadian and US authorities have now restricted the number of ports of entry (POEs) available for this purpose.
Prabhjeet Singh, CEO of Glinks International, clarified, “This issue is not directly related to the two-year temporary cap on international students announced earlier.”
He explained that while this new policy has not yet been applied to study permits, it should be monitored for future implications. “These changes are part of an ongoing effort to streamline immigration processes and ensure students are well-informed about the pathways to post-graduate work permits.”
Students Planning More Carefully
For students intending to stay in Canada temporarily to work after graduation, it is essential to graduate from a designated learning institution (DLI) with eligible programs. “For example, graduates from a four-year bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree program may apply for a PGWP valid for up to three years,” Singh noted.
Singh emphasized that these directives encourage UAE students to plan their education more carefully.
“Despite recent policy changes, Canada remains a highly attractive destination for students from the UAE due to its world-class educational institutions, multicultural environment, and strong career prospects. However, students are now more cautious and seek detailed guidance to navigate the new regulations,” Singh added.
Each year, UAE students submit nearly 9,000 university applications to Canada, alongside applications to other destinations. International students make up 2.5 percent of all residents in Canada, with Ontario having 3.5 percent of its population as international students.
Success, Visa Delays, and Rejections
Some students from the UAE have encountered visa rejections this year. Amna Hashmi, 29, who has been teaching in the UAE for the past three years, recently faced a visa denial.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Hashmi explained, “I applied for a Post-Graduate Certificate for Internationally Trained Teachers at Queen’s University in Canada to advance my career. I completed the IELTS, submitted my transcripts, and received a letter of attestation from the university. I was ready for the September intake and had paid the first term’s fee. However, my visa was rejected last month due to concerns that I might not return to the UAE after my studies.”
Although the fees have been refunded, Hashmi is disappointed as she was eager to enhance her career prospects. “If I had moved to Canada, I would have needed a job that matched my skills. If I didn’t find one, I would have returned to my established career here. My husband works for an MNC here and has a stable career. My aim was to gain additional qualifications that would benefit me whether I stayed here or abroad,” she added.
For Hikmat Dardari, originally from Syria, the outcome was more favorable, though circumstances were different at the time. “It didn’t affect me as I graduated in December 2021. After graduation, I began working and building my career in Finance. With a year and a half of experience, I transferred back to Dubai through an internal move. Fortunately, while studying, I obtained Permanent Residency through the Investor Program, which allowed me to transition from a visa to PR.”
CREDIT : Khaleejtimes