Decoding New Immigration Rules for Studying in the US, Canada, and Australia: A Guide for International Students

Decoding New Immigration Rules for Studying in the US, Canada, and Australia: A Guide for International Students

As per the Ministry of Education, 1.5 million Indian students pursued higher education abroad in 2023, with a significant number enrolling in graduate and post-graduate programs. According to Oxford International’s Student Global Mobility Index (SGMI), the US remains the top destination for Indian students (69%), followed by the UK (54%), Canada (43%), and Australia (27%).

However, popular study-abroad destinations such as the UK, Canada, and Australia are revising their immigration systems, causing anxiety among aspiring international students and their families. As the upcoming fall intake season approaches, it is crucial to decode these policy changes and their potential impact on student mobility from India.

Studying in the USA

Latest SEVIS data shows that over 350,000 Indian students are currently studying in the US, making India the leading nationality among international students, constituting nearly 30% of the total. Indian students primarily enroll in graduate and post-graduate programs in science, mathematics, engineering, and management.

The US boasts a vibrant higher education ecosystem with over 4,000 institutions, including some of the world’s top-ranked universities. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to work for up to three years post-graduation, providing valuable global work experience. This is particularly popular among Indian students.

The US and Indian governments emphasize the importance of student visas to foster academic exchange. The US consular team in India is working to reduce student visa wait times, anticipating a rise in applications for 2024 after issuing a record 130,000+ student visas in 2023. In 2023, India surpassed the US in the number of GRE test-takers for the first time in 80 years, reflecting the strong interest of Indian students in US higher education.

Studying in the United Kingdom

Starting January 2024, the UK Government will implement new restrictions on student visas. Except for PhD and postgraduate research students, dependent visas will not be granted to other international students. Additionally, work visas will only be issued after the student has completed their program and secured a job.

Despite these changes, the Graduate Route remains intact, allowing students to work in the UK for up to two years post-graduation, with PhD and doctoral students allowed up to three years. The UK Government is also introducing stricter compliance standards for educational institutions and their recruitment agents to address concerns about malpractice.

TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by all UK universities, including those in the prestigious Russell Group.

Studying in Canada

Canada will cap international student permit applications for 2024, approving approximately 364,000 study permits, a 35?crease from 2023. Undergraduate applicants must submit a provincial attestation letter (PAL) with their study permit application. Open work permits for spouses will now be limited to those of international students in master's, doctoral, and professional programs. The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for living expenses has increased from C$10,000 to C$20,635.

While these changes may limit undergraduate study options, they benefit students pursuing master's, doctoral, and professional programs, who can now avail of three-year post-study work permits. IRCC now accepts four new language tests, including TOEFL iBT, for Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants, offering a higher visa approval rate and faster processing times.

Studying in Australia

Australia is also tightening policies for international students. Key changes include the mandatory Genuine Student (GS) requirement, increased mandated savings to A$29,710 (approximately ₹16.3 lakh) to cover living expenses, and a cap on work hours during study terms at 48 hours per fortnight.

In a positive development, the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has resumed accepting TOEFL scores for all visa purposes as of May 5, 2024.

Emerging destinations like France, Germany, the European Union, and Ireland are also attracting more Indian students due to robust public higher education systems, English-taught programs, and lower living costs compared to traditional destinations.

Conclusion

Navigating ever-changing visa and immigration rules can be daunting for aspiring Indian students and their families. Focusing on in-demand skills, securing high scores on tests like GRE and TOEFL, and keeping multiple options open can help students achieve their study abroad goals. GRE scores, valid for five years and accepted across various disciplines, remain a valuable asset for Indian students.

Also, read: Easier path for Indian Students to study in US via EB-5 Visa Program

News Courtesy