Frequent changes to Canadian student immigration policies have led to the emergence of a ‘package’ culture, raising concerns among industry experts and consultants. Amidst this changing scenario, aspirants are cautioned to exercise caution and avoid falling prey to misleading promises often associated with such packages.
Numerous short videos on social media platforms showcase agents offering Canada study and PR packages to students.
Experts said that with changes in visa regulations and heightened scrutiny by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), many prospective students are looking for streamlined solutions to fulfill their study-abroad dreams. Unfortunately, this demand has fueled unethical practices, where ‘packages’ – a term used to refer to bundled services offered by some agents – are widely advertised and sold at rates ranging from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
So, what are these packages, and why are they 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 residence (PR) pathways. While these offers may seem attractive to students and their families, they often come with hidden risks, including financial exploitation and legal complications, experts said.
“These days, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can see many attractive advertisements promoting study ‘packages’ for Canada, featuring the names of various consultants. However, it is not just the advertisers – who are essentially agents – who are to blame, but the students who follow such agents and opt for packages to get admission in private colleges in Canada,” said Aman Parmar of Punjab-based Vika Point, specializing in study-abroad services, especially in Canada. Get an immigration consultation.
“I want to clarify that no consultant can pay tuition fee to any private college on behalf of students. These colleges usually charge Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh per annum while these so-called packages are being sold for Rs 12 to 20 lakh and the remaining amount is in the pockets of such agents. “If someone is offering a package, students should avoid it. Such packages are not a valid way to enter Canada and often cause nothing but trouble,” Parmar warned.
He stressed that students should thoroughly research and verify the credibility of the consultants they engage with.
In Canada, many private colleges are not eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Students who enter the country under such packages often find themselves ineligible for PGWP after completing their studies, leaving them in limbo.
He said that if students follow the process by contacting a real consultant, it will not be difficult at all to get a study visa in Canada.
“Many counselors exploit the lack of awareness, especially among students in rural areas, by giving unrealistic guarantees. These packages often rely on fake documents, fake job offers, or admissions to dubious educational institutions, jeopardizing the future of students,” said Gurpreet Singh, Canada Studies Specialist, Doaba region of Punjab, I-CAN.
Tirath Singh of Pinnacle Education, another consultancy specializing in Canadian education, said, “Canada’s recent immigration changes aim to address multiple issues related to student immigration to prioritize the real study objective of a singular focus on Permanent Residence (PR). Students should follow the right path by choosing suitable 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 looking for an easy way out, preying on their desperation by assuring them of fast-track solutions through packages. “Students should avoid shortcuts and focus on valid, well-planned options for their study-abroad goals,” advises Singh.
Such agents are also involved in providing fake documents to meet financial requirements, which must be shown in the student’s account, as GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) is no longer required. Experts warn that if IRCC detects discrepancies in documents or applications, the student’s application may be rejected immediately.
“Such packages, which often come with hefty price tags, waste a family’s hard-earned savings with no guarantee of success,” Parmar said, adding to be wary of offers that sound too good to be true. Make sure the institution you choose is recognized by Canadian authorities and offers valid programs that align with your career goals. Consult multiple sources to cross-verify information and avoid relying solely on biased advice,” he advised.
“The lure of an easy fix can be tempting, the risks far outweigh the rewards. Students and their families must prioritize authenticity, transparency, and proper research to ensure that their dreams of studying in Canada are not jeopardized. A little caution now can lead to lifelong regrets later,” said Tirath Singh. Agents offering packages do not exist if prospective students ignore them.