Canada study ‘packages’: Experts warn aspirants against deceptive study-abroad deals | Chandigarh News

Experts said that with changes in visa rules and heightened scrutiny by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), many prospective students are seeking streamlined solutions to fulfil their study-abroad dreams. Unfortunately, this demand has fuelled unscrupulous practices, where ‘packages’—a term referring to bundled services offered by some agents—are being widely promoted and sold at the rate of Rs 12 lakh to 20 lakh.

So, what are these packages, and why are they being offered? Experts explain that in the context of international student immigration, “Packages” typically include a combination of services such as university applications, tuition fee management, visa processing, and, in some cases, false assurances of permanent residency (PR) pathways. While these offers may appear attractive to students and their families, they often come with hidden risks, including financial exploitation and legal complications, said experts.

“These days, one can see numerous attractive advertisements promoting study ‘packages’ for Canada on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, featuring the names of various consultants. However, it is not just the advertisers—who are essentially agents—who should be blamed, but the students who chase after such agents and opt for the packages to gain admission to private colleges in Canada,” said Aman Parmar of Punjab-based V Point, an immigration consultancy specialising in study-abroad services, particularly in Canada.

“I want to clarify that no consultant can pay tuition fees to any private college on behalf of students. These colleges typically charge annual fees of Rs 3 lakh to 4 lakh, while these so-called packages are being sold for Rs 12 to 20 lakh and the remaining money would go into the pocket of such agents. If anyone is offering a package, students must avoid it. Such packages are not a legitimate way to enter Canada and often lead to nothing but trouble,” Parmar cautioned.

He emphasised that students must thoroughly research and verify the credibility of the consultants they engage with.

In Canada, many private colleges are not eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Students who enter the country under such packages often find themselves ineligible for PGWP upon completing their studies, leaving them in a precarious situation.

He said that still getting study visa in Canada is not difficult at all if students contact genuine consultants and follow the procedure.

“Many consultants exploit the lack of awareness among students, especially those from rural areas, by offering unrealistic guarantees. These packages often rely on forged documents, fake job offers, or admissions to dubious academic institutions, jeopardizing students’ futures,” said Gurpreet Singh of I-Can, a Canada study expert from the Doaba region of Punjab.

Tirath Singh of Pinnacle Education, another consultancy specialising in Canadian education, noted, “Canada’s recent immigration changes aim to address several issues related to the students’ immigration to prioritize genuine study intentions over a sole focus on permanent residency (PR). Students must follow the right path by choosing appropriate colleges and courses aligned with the new policies. PR will naturally follow if they take their studies seriously.”

He warned that unscrupulous agents exploit students seeking an easier pathway, preying on their desperation with promises of fast-track solutions through packages. “Students should avoid shortcuts and focus on legitimate, well-planned options for their study-abroad goals,” Singh advised.

Such agents are also involved in providing forged documents to meet the financial requirements, which must be shown in the student’s account, as the GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) is no longer required. Experts warn that if IRCC detects discrepancies in documents or applications, the student’s application could face immediate rejection.

“These packages, which often come with hefty price tags, drain families’ hard-earned savings without offering any guarantee of success,” Parmar said, adding that be wary of offers that sound too good to be true. Ensure that the institution you choose is recognised by Canadian authorities and offers valid programmes that align with your career goals. Consult multiple sources to cross-verify information and avoid relying solely on biased advice,” he advised.

“While the allure of easy solutions may be tempting, the risks far outweigh the rewards. Students and their families must prioritize authenticity, transparency, and proper research to ensure their dreams of studying in Canada are not jeopardized. A little caution now can save a lifetime of regret later,” said Tirath Singh, adding that agents offering packages will not exist if student aspirants ignore them outrightly.