Canada grapples with a complex crisis, seeking to reform its student visa process amid allegations from India of illegal use for human trafficking.
At a Glance
- Investigation into Canadian colleges’ link with human trafficking networks across the Canada-U.S. border.
- Canada enhances border controls and reviews visa processes after tragic border crossing deaths.
- 25,000 students were referred by one entity, over 10,000 by another to various colleges annually.
- There is an indication that some Canadian colleges were allegedly facilitating student visas for illegal entry into the U.S.
Reforms Following Tragic Incident
Allegations of the misuse of Canadian student visas have emerged amid a tragic incident involving the death of the Patel family, who died trying to cross the U.S. border illegally in January 2022. This prompted Indian and Canadian authorities to investigate the potential misuse of student visas involving Canadian educational institutions. Investigations indicate Canadian colleges may have been complicit in facilitating unauthorized entry into the U.S.
Steve Shand and Harshkumar Patel have been found guilty of smuggling unauthorized individuals into the U.S. Canadian colleges stand accused of knowingly enrolling students solely for visa facilitation, who would then cross the border. This systemic issue has roots deep within illegal migration systems promoted by networks between India and Canada’s institutions.
Investigation by India alleges dozens of Canadian colleges& universities might be linked to scheme illegally ferrying students across Canada-U.S. border reveals the "staggering" extent to which holes in immigration system can be exploited, some experts say https://t.co/IP48xkL8yL
— Michael Bociurkiw (@WorldAffairsPro) December 28, 2024
Authorities’ Response and Cooperation
The RCMP and Indian Directorate of Enforcement have been working together since the investigation began following the tragedy. Raids in Mumbai and other regions unveiled hidden operations involving colleges accused of student trafficking. Documents and devices confiscated reveal schools’ involvement with entities referring large numbers of students annually to Canadian colleges, often ending in illegal U.S. entry.
“Once the individuals or students reach Canada, instead of joining the college, they illegally crossed the U.S.-Canada Border and never joined college[s] in Canada,” the Enforcement Directorate said.
This operation highlights broader challenges in Canada’s immigration processing systems. Critics question whether enforcement against ‘fly-by-night’ operations—institutions accused of improper conduct—falls short, exacerbating transnational criminal schemes under the guise of educational opportunities.
Proposals and Future Actions
Canada’s government has introduced new measures, including enrolment caps and improved verification to strengthen student visa oversight. While Colleges and Institutes Canada and Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges claim no control over the visa system, others urge for decisive action to restore program integrity.
“If the allegations are true, it reveals shocking gaps in our integrity protocols.… This is deeply, deeply concerning and problematic,” said Raj Sharma, a Calgary-based immigration lawyer.
Enhancing bilateral cooperation between Canadian and Indian law enforcement faces obstacles, including ensuring educational institutions’ accountability. Some suggestions advocate stricter program regulations to deter illegal activity and protect genuine educational pursuits from exploitation.
