Indian Students Lead Visa-Violation Risk, IRCC Reports 47,175

Canadian immigration officials say a large pool of international learners may be breaking study permit rules, and data point to Indian students as the biggest share of those at risk. Testifying before a House of Commons committee, IRCC assistant deputy minister for migration integrity Aiesha Zafar said about 47,175 students have been flagged as potentially non‑compliant and might be in the country without lawful status. She stressed the figure reflects roughly 8 percent of the cases where compliance checks were requested, not confirmed findings.

Zafar added that when foreign nationals lose status or breach conditions, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) assumes jurisdiction for enforcement inside Canada. The disclosure comes as IRCC faces pressure to keep the study system credible while still supporting campuses that rely on tuition from abroad.

Types of potential violations flagged

IRCC’s snapshot lists a range of possible visa violations that draw scrutiny during compliance checks. The common categories include:

• Not attending classes
• Working beyond permitted hours or without authorization
• Using expired or invalid documents
• Failing to report status changes, such as dropping out or transferring schools

Officials did not say how many of the flagged files will end as confirmed breaches. They cautioned that some flags may be errors or cases resolved through late paperwork. Still, the message to schools and students is blunt: follow the rules or risk losing status.

Why Indian students figure heavily in the data

On scale, India far outpaces other source countries in Canada’s study stream. IRCC figures show:

• 188,255 Indian students held study permits in 2024
• From January to July 2025, 52,765 Indians received new study permits
• By contrast, China — the next-largest source — had 56,260 permit holders

Because Indian nationals are the largest cohort by far, even a modest rate of issues will generate the greatest number of files. Officials emphasized that this is a function of volume, not a claim that Indian students are inherently more likely to break rules.

How enforcement and roles are divided

Pressed on enforcement, Zafar told lawmakers that once a person is out of status or suspected of a breach, CBSA is responsible for locating, questioning, or removing them under existing law. The operational split is:

1. Schools — first point of contact for missing documents or poor attendance.
2. IRCC — manages permits, compliance requests, and may issue letters or add cases to monitoring.
3. CBSA — handles arrests, detention, and removals if status is lost or a removal order is issued.

This sequence means a student may be able to correct records before enforcement escalates, but delays increase the risk of an adverse finding.

“Potentially non‑compliant” often comes from data mismatches or school reports. Errors, late updates, and misunderstandings can trigger flags that later get cleared.

Policy signals and effects on applications

The disclosure signals increased scrutiny for current and prospective applicants, especially from India. Large numbers tied to potential visa violations tend to trigger closer review of finances, enrollment plans, and ties to home.

• Officers may ask for stronger proof of funds, clearer study plans, and evidence that a program aligns with prior education or work.
• Colleges may tighten attendance tracking and report changes more quickly.
• Risk analysis looks at work patterns; students working over limits or without authorization risk status loss, while employers who flout rules may face penalties.

Several reports indicate a much tougher front end: in 2025 Canada rejected about 80 percent of Indian student applications, a sharp break from earlier years. While reasons vary, the current climate favors complete and transparent application files: clear letters of acceptance, solid bank records, and proof of ties at home.

Institutional and diplomatic ramifications

Colleges and universities that host large numbers of international students may:

• Update orientation to explain work limits and reporting duties more clearly
• Improve coordination with IRCC on enrollment changes
• Strengthen internal attendance and record-keeping systems

Administrators note the tension: many institutions depend on international tuition, but the integrity of the system depends on genuine study. When students drift into unauthorized work or leave programs without notification, they jeopardize both personal status and campus reputations.

There are also diplomatic effects. Higher risk ratings for particular cohorts can shape consular decision-making, provincial planning for housing and work transitions, and how other countries assess applications from the same groups. Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests compliance probes often create spillovers in other countries’ student systems. That does not mean opportunities vanish for Indian students, but it does mean more upfront questions and more checks during studies.

Practical steps for Indian students and schools

Small, consistent habits can prevent major problems. Key recommendations:

• Keep enrollment full-time unless an authorized exception applies.
• Retain documents: every letter, transcript, pay stub, and record.
• Report changes promptly: program switches, leaves, or reduced course loads must be documented with the school and IRCC.
• Confirm work eligibility before taking on off‑campus jobs; strictly track hours during academic terms.
• Use the international office: document leaves, reduced loads, or transfers before they happen.
• Avoid unofficial “cash” jobs — breaches are difficult to undo and may trigger removal.

Practical checklist and resources:

• Review your study permit conditions on the official IRCC page: IRCC guidance for study permit holders.
• Keep a simple folder with copies of:
  • Study permit
  • Passport
  • Enrollment letters
  • Pay records (keep for at least one year after each term)
• If you suspect a flag is wrong:
  1. Collect proof (emails, dated letters, payroll records).
  2. Ask the registrar to correct records.
  3. Follow up with IRCC in writing.

How a campus alert can become government action

Typical sequence:

1. A school sends data to IRCC when a learner stops attending or drops below full-time.
2. IRCC may seek more information, issue a letter, or add the case to its monitoring pool.
3. If status is lost or a removal order is issued, CBSA can act inside Canada.

None of these steps prevents a student from fixing records if they still meet the rules. The critical elements are speed and proof: clear emails, dated letters, and payroll records that match term schedules. Always keep copies and meet deadlines to reduce risk.