Kathmandu, 20 May: The Situation of Nepali Students in Canada Can Be Viewed from Two Angles:
First – Students who want to come to Canada from Nepal.
Second – Students who are already studying in Canada.
For those wanting to come to Canada, the process has become less accessible. The Canadian government has tightened visa regulations and made the financial requirements significantly stricter.
Canada gives priority to those applying for bachelor’s and master’s programs over those seeking to study diplomas. There is now strict scrutiny for diploma applicants.
Given this, students in Nepal who have just completed Grade 12 should now apply for a four-year bachelor’s program. It has become very difficult to get a visa for a two-year diploma course.
In Canada, those who have worked for one year become eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR). However, eligibility for PR is assessed based on one’s job, education, age, and other criteria.
The Canadian government has reduced the PR quota and also tightened the requirements. However, skilled individuals still have relatively easier access. Healthcare professionals, those fluent in French, teachers, and Montessori workers are prioritized for PR.
It has become harder for those studying business or office management to obtain PR. Canada now only grants PR to those working or studying in priority fields.
The number of Nepali students in Canada is quite large, which has led to stricter scrutiny for them in both PR and visa processes.
Students in Canada are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week. While not everyone finds a job immediately, eventually most do.
Currently, students who came to Canada right after Grade 12 are under greater pressure. There are several reasons for this:
First – At 18 years old, most lack work experience or practical skills. They’ve just left home and face pressure to cover living expenses and tuition fees. Their families may also expect them to send money home.
Second – It is harder for people in this age group to find jobs. Employers often consider them immature and avoid hiring them. If a diploma student and a bachelor’s student apply for the same job, the employer is more likely to hire the bachelor’s student.
Even if one gets a job in Canada, it may not be long-term or at a single location. Some jobs may last only 7, 15, or 30 days, requiring students to continuously search for new work.
With only 24 hours of work allowed per week, and hourly wages ranging from CAD 17 to 18, the income usually just covers food and lodging. Working beyond the allowed hours is considered illegal and can affect future processes.
Students are allowed to work full-time only during the break between semesters.
Given the current circumstances, I recommend students come to Canada only after completing their bachelor’s degree in Nepal. This improves the chances of getting a visa.
It’s also easier to find work and go through the PR process when you are more mature and capable of dealing with challenges.
Students don’t always follow this advice, especially when influenced by education consultancies. Consultancies often don’t refuse to process applications — if one won’t, another will.
This is something both students and parents need to think about. Some young students feel pressured when their peers or others in their age group have already gone abroad.
My first suggestion – If possible, complete your bachelor’s degree before coming to Canada. If you do come earlier, apply for a four-year course rather than a two-year diploma.
Second suggestion – Learn a skill before coming. Training in trades like haircutting, plumbing, carpeting, electrical wiring, or cooking can be very useful.
These types of skills make it easier to find jobs, regardless of age. It’s always better to go abroad with some practical training.
In general, students in Canada must pay college tuition fees of around NPR 1.8 to 2.5 million per year. Rent can range from CAD 400 to 500. Food and transportation average around CAD 200 monthly.
This means that aside from tuition, a student will need at least CAD 700 per month. It’s wise to plan for at least six months of living expenses without assuming you’ll get a job right away.
In 2022/23, about 85% of applicants received Canadian visas. Now, it’s dropped to barely 20%. The number of applicants has also declined.
The drop in visa approval rates has led to reduced interest among students. The process has become more burdensome.
Stricter PR requirements are another reason for the decline. Since it’s harder to get PR, fewer students are now interested in studying in Canada.
Canada has also tightened rules for dependent visas. Previously, students enrolled in any program could bring their spouse as a dependent, who could then work. Now, only those enrolled in master’s programs are eligible to bring dependents.
Writer: Ashok Paudel is a registered migration agent in Canada.
