May 17, 2024

IRCC – Canada immigration department receives 9000 fake or canceled student visa admission letters in 4 months!

In recent months Canada made several changes to their student visa rules including a limited number of students that can be admitted to Canada under student visa rules.

Here are some major changes!

  1. As of 24th April 2024 – Canadian students cannot work more than 20 hours outside the campus and from September 2024, off-campus working hours will be 24 per week.,
  1. Recent studies conducted in the US and Canada have shown that there is a considerable decline in academic performance for students working more than 28 hours per week and that working more than 24 hours per week increases the chances that a student will drop out of their program.
  2. Most countries that welcome international students set limits on the number of hours they may work while they study. Australia recently changed its policy to allow a student to work 48 hours every 2 weeks. In the US, students must meet additional criteria before being permitted to work off campus at all.
  3. In December 2023, the Government of Canada raised the cost-of-living threshold that students must meet to be approved for a study permit so they are financially prepared for life in Canada and are not as dependent on working. For 2024, a single applicant will need to show they have $20,635, representing 75% of LICO, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. This change will apply to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024.
  4. International students who begin a college program delivered through a public-private curriculum licensing arrangement on or after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit when they graduate. Those who already started this type of program prior to May 15, 2024, will still be able to access a post-graduation work permit, provided they meet all other criteria.
  5. The new letter of acceptance (LOA) verification process has been a success. Since its launch on December 1, 2023, through April 1, 2024, IRCC has
    1.  received almost 162,000 LOAs for verification
    2. confirmed nearly 142,000 LOAs as valid directly with designated learning institutions (DLIs)
    3. identified almost 9,000 LOAs that didn’t match any LOA issued by a DLI or that the DLI had already cancelled before the foreign national applied for a study permit
  1. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023. In the spirit of fairness, individual provincial and territorial caps have been established, weighted by population, which will result in much more significant decreases in provinces where the international student population has seen the most unsustainable growth.
  1. Starting September 1, 2024, international students who begin a study program that is part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon graduation. Under curriculum licensing agreements, students physically attend a private college that has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college. These programs have seen significant growth in attracting international students in recent years, though they have less oversight than public colleges and they act as a loophole with regards to post-graduation work permit eligibility.
  2. Graduates of master’s degree programs will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit. Under current criteria, the length of a post-graduation work permit is based solely on the length of an individual’s study program, hindering master’s graduates by limiting the amount of time they have to gain work experience and potentially transition to permanent residence.
  1. The open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs. The spouses of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible.

Many more changes are expected in the coming weeks and months regarding Canada’s student visa and immigration rules.

I do not see these as strict rules, but rather as measures designed for students who wish to come to Canada to study and possibly settle there. However, due to the growing number of student visa applications and concerns about the quality of students coming to Canada, the government has realized that many students are not serious about their studies but are instead coming to work off-campus and earn money.

The reality is that these students are working off-campus in minimum-wage jobs, and due to taxation and the high cost of living, they can barely meet their living expenses, let alone save money or send it back home to pay off student loans.

These foreign students often arrive in Canada after completing the 12th grade or a bachelor’s degree, having never worked in their home country and lacking job skills, with a bare minimum knowledge of English, and unrealistic expectations of getting high-paying jobs.

My opinion is echoed in the Canadian immigration minister’s one of the press notes.

“Working off campus helps international students gain work experience and offset some of their expenses. As international students arrive in Canada, we want them to be prepared for life here and have the support they need to succeed. However, first and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student program.”

– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

 In conclusion:

Hurry hurts. Coming to Canada for higher studies is a serious and life-changing experience, and the only way to truly benefit is by planning carefully, gathering comprehensive information, and consulting with university career counselors, official online resources, and immigration lawyers if necessary.

If you are using a student visa with the primary intention of working and earning money to build your life, you are likely in for a shock upon arriving in Canada.

 

January 24, 2024

📢 **Important Update on Canadian Student Visas! 🇨🇦**

For the first time in Canadian immigration history, a quota system has been introduced for non-immigrant student visas for the next two years. On January 23, 2024, the Canadian Immigration Minister announced a significant reduction, limiting the issuance of student visas to approximately 364,000 for the academic year starting September 2024. Here are the key points of this announcement:

1. **No Impact on Existing Students:** The quota will not affect existing students in Canada.

2. **Province and Territory Distribution:** The 364,000 quota will be distributed province and territory-wise and further allocated to designated educational institutes.

3. **Limited to College and Undergraduate Programs:** This quota applies to college and undergraduate degree holders for two years and does not affect master’s, doctorate, and students attending primary and secondary schools.

4. **Attestation Letter Requirement:** Colleges issuing admission letters must provide an attestation letter from the provincial government.

5. **Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits:** Starting September 1, 2024, international students in curriculum licensing arrangement programs will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon graduation.

6. **Extended Work Permit for Graduates:** Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit.

7. **Limited Open Work Permits:** Open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs. Spouses of students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible.

8. **Recent Measures Introduced:**
– Updated cost-of-living requirements for study permit applicants as of January 1, 2024.
– Enhanced verification process for letters of acceptance submitted by applicants outside Canada since December 1, 2023.
– Upcoming targeted pilots in 2024 to support underrepresented cohorts of international students.

For more details, check the official announcement: [Canada.ca – Immigration News](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/01/canada-to-stabilize-growth-and-decrease-number-of-new-international-student-permits-issued-to-approximately-360000-for-2024.html)

Stay informed and plan accordingly! 🌍🎓 #CanadianStudyVisa #InternationalStudents #ImmigrationNews

To explore your settlement options in Canada, schedule a consultation with Indian immigration lawyer Prashant Ajmera, the founder of Ajmera Law Group. Contact us at +919974253030 or email us at info@ajmeralaw.com. Discover the pathways to your American dream with expert legal guidance.

December 4, 2023

**Charting the Course: A Guide for Millennial Indian Parents in Planning Their Child’s Foreign Education Journey**

Millennial parents, born between 1981 and 1996, are known for their progressive parenting style. Unlike traditional approaches, they prioritize personal growth and career development before embracing parenthood. This forward-thinking mindset extends to their children’s education, with a strong inclination towards providing them with the best possible opportunities, often including foreign education.

In this blog, we will explore essential steps for Millennial Indian parents in planning their child’s journey towards studying abroad.

1. **Start Early:**

The key to a successful foreign education plan is to start early. Waiting until grade 12 or completion of a bachelor’s degree may limit options and increase financial pressure. Begin preparations during your child’s formative years, ensuring a smoother transition into higher education abroad.

2. **Language Proficiency:**

English proficiency is a crucial factor for success in foreign education. Ensure that your child excels in all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Proficiency in other languages, depending on the chosen destination, is also beneficial.

3. **Professional Licensing Considerations:**

For children aspiring to pursue professions such as medicine, law, or engineering that require licensing, investigate the process for obtaining licenses in foreign countries. Understanding the licensing requirements early on will help in making informed decisions about your child’s career path.

4. **Timing of Bachelor’s Degree:**

Consider sending your child abroad for a four-year bachelor’s degree program after completing grade 12. Financial considerations should be taken into account, and planning for this major expense should be integrated into your overall financial strategy.

5. **Residency and Citizenship Opportunities:**

Explore residency and citizenship by investment programs. These options can lead to significant financial savings, especially in countries like Canada, where the difference in tuition fees between local and international students can be substantial.

6. **Diversify Your Financial Portfolio:**

To mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations and rising education costs, consider diversifying your investment portfolio globally. Creating savings in foreign currencies can act as a hedge against currency risks and help you stay ahead of the increasing expenses associated with foreign education.

7. **Professional Guidance:**

Seek assistance from international career counselors rather than relying solely on student visa agents or consultants. Professional guidance can help identify your child’s aptitude, align it with suitable higher education options, and ensure a well-informed decision-making process.

8. **Invest in Aptitude Assessment:**

Invest in aptitude assessments for your child. Professional help from international career counselors can play a vital role in identifying your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests, leading to more tailored educational choices.

9. **Diverse Paths Beyond Studying Abroad:**

There are various avenues to consider, each with different financial considerations. It’s not imperative to opt for the most expensive route, such as studying abroad, to establish a life overseas.

 

Conclusion:

Millennial Indian parents, driven by a commitment to providing the best for their children, are embracing foreign education as a pathway to broader horizons.

By starting early, addressing language proficiency, considering professional licensing, and strategically planning finances, parents can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling international education journey for their children. Remember, it’s not just about getting there; it’s about charting the right course for a bright and prosperous future.

For international career counseling for your child’s foreign education, along with expert insights into financial considerations and immigration options, consult with an experienced Immigration Lawyer. As a Canadian citizen and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) with three years of valuable experience, I bring in-depth knowledge to guide you through this crucial decision-making process.

Contact Prashant Ajmera, Advocate at Mo: +91 99 74 25 3030 or via email at info@ajmeralaw.com for personalized assistance and comprehensive support on your journey towards a successful foreign education and beyond.

April 20, 2023

STUDY AND IMMIGRATE TO CANADA AFTER FOUR YEARS OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING FROM INDIA

If you’re considering studying in Canada and pursuing immigration options after earning your four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree from India, here are some options to explore:

  1. Consider taking a one or two-year diploma program at a private or semi-private college in Canada. This can give you one or three years of work permit, which can help you gain experience related to your education. You can then apply under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class, or Express Entry for immigration to Canada.
  2. You can also take a one-year Master’s degree program at a selected university in Canada. After completing your degree, you can get a one-year work permit in Canada and find a job related to your education. With one year of experience, you can apply for a Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada.
  3. Another option is to take two years of full-time experience in India related to your engineering degree. After that, you can take a one-year Master’s degree program at a selected university in Canada and get a job related to your education. Based on your experience in India, you can apply for PR of Canada as soon as you finish your Master’s degree program.
  4. You can also do a two-year Master’s degree in India, get three years of experience related to your engineering degree in India, and if you have a high IELTS score, apply for direct PR of Canada under Express Entry.
  5. If you’re interested in business management, consider studying in a certain province of Canada for a two-year program related to it. This can give you three years of work permit, which can allow you to start your own business in Canada and apply for immigration.
  6. Another option is to get a visitor visa to Canada, find a company in Canada that’s related to offering you a job related to your education and experience in India, and ask the company to apply for LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment). Once approved, you can apply for a work permit of Canada from within Canada. After two years, you can apply for immigration under the Canada Experience Class, Express Entry, or PNP skilled worker immigration. If the job offer is on a permanent basis, you can apply for direct PR under Express Entry.
  7. Finally, while waiting in India, you can find a company in Canada that’s related to offering you a job related to your education and experience in India. Ask the company to apply for LMIA, and on approval of LMIA, apply for a work permit of Canada outside of Canada. After two years, you can apply for immigration under the Canada Experience Class, Express Entry, or PNP skilled worker immigration. If the job offer is on a permanent basis, you can apply for direct PR under Express Entry.

It’s important to note that each option has its own processing time, cost, eligibility requirements, and required IELTS band. It’s highly recommended that you seek legal consultation with an immigration lawyer like Prashant Ajmera of Ajmera Law Group to better understand your options and determine the best path for you.

To consult an immigration lawyer Mo: +91 9974253030 | Email: info@ajmeralaw.com |www.ajmeralaw.com

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January 24, 2022

Study Abroad – Ten common misconceptions that students and parents have about studying & settling abroad!!

Common mistakes made by parents and students while planning for study abroad!

Here are my 10 quick tips.   (Video version)

  1. Study abroad after grade 12 only if money is not a problem!
  1. Take IELTS coaching from an institute that does not provide student visa consultancy!
  1. STUDYING ABROAD does not translate to ‘Your life is set’!
  1. Study abroad only in recognized programs at university where immigration is possible!
  1. “Post-graduate Diploma” in colleges is not a Master’s degree!
  1. After studying abroad, immigration is not automatic!
  1. There is no guarantee that you will find a job that can finance your study. Always find employment related to your education!
  1. For licensed professionals, make sure you have the right to practice in India or the right to immigrate to the country of your choice!
  1. Do your own research, consult immigration lawyers and plan your career early and for the long term!
  1. Studying abroad is NOT the only option available to settle abroad. There are several other better options available!

Are you interested in planning for your child’s foreign education and settlement in a foreign country? 

Get this ebook for FREE or you can purchase the book from Amazon or ebook from google – Click Here

A must-read book for all students who wish to study and settle abroad!

Who is Prashant Ajmera? 

Prashant Ajmera is a reputed Indian lawyer, NRI, and Canadian citizen since 1997 with more than twenty–five years of experience in the field of cross-border personal law and global investment advisory. He has assisted numerous HNIs and UHNIs in planning their finances and advised them in planning their children’s foreign education in the most economical manner.

Over the years has authored two books and a number of articles for diverse publications and has been invited as a speaker by various organizations and institutes …Read more

Mr. Ajmera is a member of the International Bar Association (IBA) and has addressed the IBA Annual Conference as a speaker on two occasions (Cancun-2001 & Durban-2002).

He is also a member of many chambers of commerce and charitable organizations.

To consult Prashant Ajmera (Lawyer, Author & Founder)  for planning your child’s foreign education either in person or via Zoom video conference click here

Legal disclaimer:

  • (i) This blog/article does not give any legal advice and does not establish a client-lawyer relationship. Information provided is for the purpose of general information only.
  • (ii) Only Indian lawyers can practice and advise on legal matters in India, including immigration and visa law. Foreign immigration lawyers cannot open offices and advice Indian citizens on immigration and visa matters.
  • (iii) Always refer to official government websites or consult an immigration lawyer for the latest information as immigration and visa laws change quite frequently.
  • (iv) Ajmera Law Group assists their client base by associating with law firms in respective jurisdictions.
  • (v) Ajmera Law Group does not give franchise or agency of their legal services.
  • (vi) We do not assist in job placement and/or finding a job in a foreign country. Please consult only licensed recruitment agencies.
  • (vii) Any citizen or company, who is not an Indian lawyer, giving legal advice related to immigration and visa matters is in violation of the Indian Advocates Act 1961.
January 1, 2022

Indian parents wait till standard 12 or bachelor degree results to take action for a child’s foreign education. It could be too late and you may be running out of options.  

Pursuant to the economic liberalization in India, wealth creation has reached unprecedented heights. From the time of independence, the Indian economic era can be divided into three main periods:

The first period from 1947 to 1993 can be described as pre-liberalized – a time when pre-liberalisation of the economic policies were in place in India.

The second period from 1993 to 2007 can be regarded as the start of economic liberalization– a time when inbound investments began in earnest in India.

The third period from 2007 to present can be described as optimum economic liberalization – a time when inbound and outbound investments to and from India were allowed.

Before the 1993 pre-economic liberalisation era, most Indians aspired to just own a decent house, a vehicle (two wheelers were good enough), good education for their children in local schools and enjoying vacations within the country. However, in the post economic liberalisation era, most Indians not only want a house with four walls but yearn for a lavishly furnished, luxurious home. Owning at least two cars, a holiday home or farm house outside the city and vacationing abroad have become must-haves for well-to-do Indian families today.

The wave of economic liberalization seen the past few years has increased the number of HNIs in India and wealth generation is at its peak. Life styles, standard of living, travel, education, weddings, savings, retirement and many other important aspects of life have changed post 2007.

Have a look at the following figures:

2007 – HNIs in India 152 ,000

2015 – HNIs in India 236,000

2018 – HNIs in India 430,000

2023 – HNIs in India 860,000

Today, Indian HNIs own a second home outside India, their children are studying in foreign universities and they spend at least one vacation abroad per year, thanks to the booming economy and increased spending power.

According to the data received from RBI the Indian HNI remittance has increased from US$ 440 million in 2007-08 to US$ 13.5 billion in 2017-18 under the LRS. This exponential increase is due to outbound investment and remittance post 2007. Now Indian HNIs are travelling abroad more frequently, for work as well as pleasure. Destination weddings in exotic international locations and sending their children out of India for undergraduate and graduate studies is also making a sizeable contribution towards outbound investment.

According to RBI, the top spending for HNIs was on their children’s education – around US$ 4 billion, followed by foreign travel and gifts to family.

As the data shows, spending for children’s education abroad is on top of the list for Indian HNIs. Today not only HNIs but even middle class parents aspire to send their children abroad to study. Several surveys show that Asian parents give top priority to their children’s education and are particularly keen that they study abroad. This is probably due to the fact that the approach and attitude towards education in Western countries is very different compared to that in Asian countries.

The number of Indian students studying abroad has increased many-fold in the past decade. As per UNESCO data, by August 2018, over 400,000 Indian students were studying abroad. This makes India the second largest source of international students after China.

However, the past migration history of India and the affluence of the Indian diaspora in foreign countries prompts most Indians parents to presume that if their child gets a foreign education, he/she will be able to settle in that country permanently. They equate studying abroad with settling abroad. They feel that once their child goes abroad, they will be able to make a good life for themselves and settle comfortably.

In order to secure their child’s future in a foreign country, Indian parents spend obscene amounts of money or take loans that often take a lifetime to pay and somehow send their children abroad to study. Their hope is that their child will obtain residency, land up with a lucrative job and have a successful career.

We must not forget that just like India, there are many countries around the world who send their youth to study in countries such as USA, Canada, Australia, UK and New Zealand.

This has increased the number of foreign students applying for immigration in the aforementioned countries. Hence the queue and waiting period for obtaining immigration is getting longer and longer.

Let us take an example of an Indian student studying in USA. If this student started studying in the Master’s program in the year 2002, he is likely to have completed it by 2004. Like most students, he would have converted his status from F1 student visa to H1B work permit visa. He would have worked for six years on this visa assuming that the company he worked for continued to hire his services. Hence until 2010 he would be working on a H1B visa.

Let us assume that this student applied for a Green Card in 2010 under one for the following categories – EB1, EB2 and EB3 and received approval for his I-140 petition. As each of the categories has a quota of 40,000 Green Cards per year, and as the number of foreign students applying for a Green Card in these categories is very high, it takes several years to receive this much coveted card.

As per USA Government official website, petitions received/ approved until January 2015 are being issued a Green Card under the EB1 category. Petitions approved/received until July 2009 are being issued a Green Card under the EB2 and EB3 categories. Hence our student has to wait for at least another 4 years for a Green Card under the EB1 category and another 10 years under the EB2 and EB3 categories, assuming that rules do not change and processing time remains more or less the same.

There are many Indian students in USA who were trying to obtain a Green Card since the last 12-15 years after completing their studies. When their wealthy Indian parents realized that their children cannot obtain residency after the study program, they tried to intervene by investing money on behalf of the children in programs such as EB-5 Investor visa of USA to secure a Green Card for their child.

Other popular destinations for study abroad are Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Thanks to thousands of student visa consultants and Canada immigration lawyer in India, Canada has the highest number of Indian international students. Unfortunately, due to bad advice given by local agents, who are motivated by the hefty commissions they receive from foreign education institutes, a good number of students receive a shock of their life when they realize that the course, they have been enrolled into is not a Master’s program but a college diploma or certificate course. Also, the institution they are going to study in is not a recognized university but a community college. There are innumerable horror stories faced by parents and their children because of their desperation to go abroad.

Most Indian parents, whose children are ready to study abroad, fail to realize that circumstances that existed a few years ago to settle abroad are not applicable in 2020. Immigration laws and regulations change from time to time and from country to country. Unless parents plan early, sending their children abroad to study will only result in spending exorbitant amounts of money without any net gain, which is permanent settlement in that country.

There are also good number of Indian students who had gone abroad to study but were forced to return back to India because they could not get employment related to their education nor could obtain residency/permanent immigration of the country where they studied. This has led to frustration, disappointment and careers of many bright students being destroyed due to short-sightedness and lack of knowledge.

When our law firm is approached by such parents, we cannot find a viable solution for them in many cases as the child who has gone abroad for study is way past the legal age to be included in an immigration application with his/her parents under the investor class. Parents and children undertake thorough research and seek legal advice from an experienced US immigration lawyer to explore the possibility of immigration after study before going abroad.

Though a new concept for Indian HNIs, their counterparts in other countries such as China, Taiwan and Korea have resorted to obtaining residency and citizenship by the investment of various countries round the world to secure their children’s education in foreign jurisdictions, giving their children a jump start in their career when they finish their education.

The most important advantage of obtaining residency and citizenship by investment is that the investor’s children can enjoy reduced tuition fees at the majority of top universities. Tuition fees for permanent residents and citizens are significantly lower, reduced by almost 60%-80%, in most foreign universities as compared to those paid by international students.

In many cases, the amount to be invested by an investor in a particular country is just a little higher than the tuition fees he/she would pay in international student fees, especially if the investor has two or more children.

Making investments in risk-free but unconventional products in many countries of the world can help wealthy Indians to secure the foreign education and career of their children. There are excellent opportunities available for investing in countries such as USA, Canada, UK, some European countries and the Caribbean islands which guarantee subsidized education for children of investors.

In keeping with the changing trends, Indian parents can invest for a second passport or residency of a foreign country to ensure theirs and their children’s future before it’s too late.

Countries that offer Residency and/or Citizenship by Investment:

Residency to Citizenship:

USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand

Direct Citizenship:

Caribbean Islands –> St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica

Residency: Europe

Portugal, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Latvia, Turkey

Citizenship: Europe

Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria, Moldova

To know more about the subject and planning for your child’s foreign education get our e-book 

January 1, 2022

Common mistakes made by parents and students while planning for study abroad!

Here are my 10 quick tips.   (Video version)

  1. Study abroad after grade 12 only if money is not a problem!
  1. Take IELTS coaching from an institute that does not provide student visa consultancy!
  1. STUDYING ABROAD does not translate to ‘Your life is set’!
  1. Study abroad only in recognized programs at university where immigration is possible!
  1. “Post-graduate Diploma” in colleges is not a Master’s degree!
  1. After studying abroad, immigration is not automatic!
  1. There is no guarantee that you will find a job that can finance your study. Always find employment related to your education!
  1. For licensed professionals, make sure you have the right to practice in India or the right to immigrate to the country of your choice!
  1. Do your own research, consult immigration lawyers and plan your career early and for the long term!
  1. Studying abroad is NOT the only option available to settle abroad. There are several other better options available!

Are you interested in planning for your child’s foreign education and settlement in a foreign country? 

Get this ebook for FREE or you can purchase the book from Amazon or ebook from google – Click Here

 

 

How to Plan for your Child's Foreign Education in 2020
A must-read book for all students who wish to study and settle abroad!

Who is Prashant Ajmera? 

Prashant Ajmera is a reputed Indian lawyer, NRI, and Canadian citizen since 1997 with more than twenty–five years of experience in the field of cross-border personal law and global investment advisory. He has assisted numerous HNIs and UHNIs in planning their finances and advised them in planning their children’s foreign education in the most economical manner.

Over the years has authored two books and a number of articles for diverse publications and has been invited as a speaker by various organizations and institutes …Read more

Mr. Ajmera is a member of the International Bar Association (IBA) and has addressed the IBA Annual Conference as a speaker on two occasions (Cancun-2001 & Durban-2002).

He is also a member of many chambers of commerce and charitable organizations.

To consult Prashant Ajmera (Lawyer, Author & Founder)  for planning your child’s foreign education either in person or via Zoom video conference click here