Canada unveils immigration plans, cuts intake of students

Canada unveils immigration plans, cuts intake of students 

Lubna Kably | TNN 06.11.2025

Canada unveiled its new Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 early on Wednesday, confirming that the country will hold steady the intake of permanent residents and admit 3.8 lakh annually over the next three years. However, it has sharply curbed the number of temporary residents — especially international students. 

International students face the sharpest reductions in the plan, with admissions capped at 1.55 lakh in 2026 and 1.5 lakh in 2027 and in 2028; almost halving the levels announced last year. The immigration levels plan unveiled last year (for 2025-2027) had projected an an intake of 3.05 lakh students in 2026 and in 2027. The plan, released as part of Budget 2025, reflects what officials call a ‘balanced approach’ to immigration, stabilising permanent resident levels while moderating temporary inflows. 

Canada’s population is around 415 lakh and the strain on infrastructure has led govt to rein in the inflows of immigrants. “We will balance the number of new arrivals with the planned departure of international students and temporary workers as their status expires in 2025 and 2026. 

We have committed to reduce temporary resident volumes through departures, program limits, and lower immigration levels to less than 5% of population by the end of 2027,” said Lena Metlege Diab, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship. In this context, Lisa Brunner, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and postdoctoral research fellow at Centre for Migration Studies, pointed out, “They are also counting on the proposed Bill C-12, also known as ‘Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act,’ being passed into law so they can more forcefully encourage the ‘self-deportation’ of temporary residents with no permanent residency options. Missing from govt’s Levels Plan is the estimated number of undocumented people living in Canada and whether govt expects that number to increase.” Matthew McDonald, RCIC, noted, “The big surprise is a 50% cut to international students — from the earlier projection of 3.05 lakh to 1.5 lakh in 2026. At first glance, the reduction may not seem significant, because we do not anticipate more than 1.5 lakh study permit approvals in 2025. 

However, the lower target will also reduce the number of admission offers that colleges and universities can make, putting pressure on Canada’s international education sector.” Manish Kapoor, RCIC added that this does not bring good news for Indian students aspiring to study in Canada. “The halving of the study-permit targets means it is going to be much harder to get a study permit—especially for Indian applicants, who are already facing a refusal rate of over 50%. If the application volumes remain high, I anticipate refusal rates could be as high as 80%.” 

The Trusted Institutions Framework, announced in mid-2023, aims to tighten quality control in international education. Institutions with strong student-support systems, transparent finances, and compliance records will be recognised as ‘trusted’, receiving streamlined and speedy visa processing. “Indian students should focus on trusted institutions and robust financial documentation to maintain strong profiles, especially for the next step towards permanent residence,” said Naumaan Hameed, lawyer and immigration specialist at Greenberg Hameed PC.” 

The targets for temporary foreign workers (TFWs) is set at 2.30 lakh for 2026, to be sustained at 2.20 lakh in each of the next two years. Kubeir Kamal, RCIC, is optimistic about an announcement to introduce an accelerated pathway for skilled H-1B workers. “This ends a strong message to the global talent pool: Canada is committed to attracting the best innovators and technology leaders to boost our competitiveness and longterm productivity,” he states.

Fake NRI admissions racket in medical education: The new red lines on who is and who isn’t a guardian

Fake NRI admissions racket in medical education: The new red lines on who is and who isn’t a guardian 

A massive fake NRI-quota admissions scam exposed by the Enforcement Directorate has revealed how fabricated guardians, forged certificates, and counterfeit notary stamps were used to secure nearly 18,000 medical seats in West Bengal and Odisha. In response, authorities have enforced stricter rules—tightening guardianship definitions, disallowing extended family sponsorship, mandating embassy-issued certificates, and limiting validity to one year to prevent misuse.

TOI Education

Aug 26, 2025, 15:41 IST

Medical education 

The fake NRI-quota admissions racket laid bare by enforcement agencies recently has revealed how “sponsors” and “guardians” were manufactured to buy medical seats, turning loopholes into a thriving shadow market. According to a TNN report, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), aided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian missions abroad, has uncovered that nearly 18,000 MBBS and PG seats in private medical colleges across West Bengal and Odisha were secured through forged NRI certificates, counterfeit US notary stamps, and fabricated family trees—with agents and college promoters colluding to generate huge illicit proceeds. 

Here is a look at the tightened NRI admissions guidelines—who qualifies as a bona fide sponsor or guardian, who doesn’t, and why these distinctions now matter more than ever. Who can sponsor under the NRI quota To begin with, an applicant must be an Indian national holding a valid Indian passport and must have completed more than 182 days of stay in their country of residence to obtain an NRI certificate. Only then do the following categories qualify for NRI-quota educational benefits: NRIs themselves. Children of NRIs. Wards of NRIs—but only if the ward is a minor under the NRI’s bona fide guardianship. Evidence of guardianship must be produced before the Indian Mission/Post; merely “looking after” a student does not make someone a guardian. An affidavit to this effect must be filed with the Mission/Post.

This is the fulcrum of the system: The only third-party sponsor allowed is an NRI who is the legal, bona fide guardian of a minor. Anything looser will fail scrutiny. 

Who is not a guardian (no matter how close the family) 

The guidelines shut the door on precisely those family relationships that agents had exploited to secure MBBS and PG admissions for aspirants. The following are explicitly excluded as “bona fide guardians” for NRI-quota admissions—even if they are NRIs and reside abroad: Real brother or sister of the student (first-degree relatives other than parents). Uncle and aunt on the father’s side. Maternal uncle and maternal aunt on the mother’s side. Grandparents on either side. First-degree maternal or paternal cousins. Translation: Extended family sponsorship is out. If an agent is pitching “your Dubai-based uncle can sponsor,” that is non-compliant by definition. The one-year clock on certificates 

Another guardrail that kills document recycling: Every NRI Certificate issued by an Indian Mission/Post is valid for one year only, and renewal needs proof of continued stay abroad, subject to other conditions being met. This applies to the parent/candidate whose NRI status is being used. For Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)/Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cases, Missions may issue similar certificates for educational benefits, explicitly noting OCI status; passport number and “period of stay” may be omitted because they are irrelevant to OCIs/PIOs. Paperwork that will be checked—physically The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has spelled out what must be on the table for NRI-seat choice and what happens next: NEET scorecard. Self-attested declaration that the candidate is NRI/OCI/PIO or a child of NRI parents (format provided). OCI/PIO card, if applicable. Embassy-issued NRI Certificate of the parent or candidate. Crucially, original documents of all candidates will be checked at the allotted college at the time of reporting.

The declaration warns that if any information is false or frivolous, the seat will be cancelled and the candidate will face punitive/legal action. Why these red lines matter The ED’s casework shows the exact weak points exploited by the agent–college nexus: Rented sponsors, photocopied family trees, affidavits notarized without the supposed NRI even being in India, and the same sponsor pack recycled across candidates. The new rules answer each tactic: Tight definition of guardianship, family-relationship exclusions, embassy-fronted certification, and one-year validity to stop document laundering.

ED unearths NRI quota admission racket in private medical colleges

ED unearths NRI quota admission racket in private medical colleges 

18,000 PG/UG Seats Involved Fake Documents & Stamps Of Notaries

Pradeep.Thakur@timesofindia.com 25.08.2025

New Delhi : An investigation by ED, assisted by the ministry of external affairs (MEA) and its foreign missions and embassies, has unearthed a massive NRI admission racket, in which private medical colleges were found offering admissions on about 18,000 reserved MBBS UG and PG seats under the quota by using forged documents of nonresident Indians. India’s foreign missions have verified that the NRI certificates, seized by Enforcement Directorate (ED) from several private medical colleges and used to offer admissions, were fake, and counterfeit stamps of notaries in the US were provided against these admissions. 

ED had conducted searches at various medical colleges in West Bengal and Odisha over the last few months, through which it seized crucial evidence. The agency then sent the seized NRI certificates to respective Indian embassies and missions for authentication or verification. Most of them were found to be forged or fake. The probe further revealed that these medical colleges were paying agents to have fake NRI documents prepared. The agents also prepared fake family trees of NRIs, wherein these unrelated NRIs were shown as relatives of students to help secure admissions under the NRI quota. In some cases, the agents and medical colleges used documents of one NRI for admissions of multiple candidates, who were unrelated to the NRI sponsor and to each other. 

The MEA too has issued fresh guidelines to its embassies and missions abroad, for strict due diligence in issuance of NRI certificates, outlining the eligibility criteria and clearly delineating ‘first degree’ and ‘second degree’ relatives in respect of whom NRIs can get certificates for admissions under the quota in India. “The agents approached and obtained credentials of unrelated NRIs by paying money to them,” the investigation found. 

The existing rules specify that the fees of the NRI student must be paid by the NRI sponsor. However, the investigation found that in majority of the cases fees were paid by the family of the student and not the NRI sponsor, thereby defeating the very purpose of the policy, which is to earn foreign exchange, sources said. “Probe revealed many NRI sponsors were not present in India on the dates their affidavits were notarised and signed here. 

It implies that affidavits with forged signatures of NRI sponsors have been made to show that NRI sponsors are related to NRI quota students,” a senior official said.

ePassport in India: How to apply, and watch out for these fake websites

ePassport in India: How to apply, and watch out for these fake websites 

imesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/epassport-in-india-how-to-apply-and-watch-out-for-these-fake-websites/articleshow/122843177.cms

TOI Lifestyle Desk / etimes.in / Updated: Jul 23, 2025, 12:48 IST  

India's passport system is getting a major upgrade with the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, introducing ePassports featuring RFID chips for enhanced security and faster processing. These ePassports store personal and biometric data digitally, preventing forgery and speeding up immigration checks.Read More

Many don’t give importance to their passports or give it a second thought in terms of a valid identity document, until they desperately need one. Whether it’s for that long-awaited Eurotrip, a dream job abroad, or a last-minute travel plan, applying for a passport can either be a breeze or a hassle if you don’t pay attention to details. 

On June 24, 2025, as reported earlier, during the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted this and announced the launch of Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. This upgrade brings emerging technologies, improved transparency, and faster processing times to India's passport system.

The global rollout of the PSP 2.0, including in Indian embassies and consulates, is already underway, further extending the benefits of ePassports to Indian citizens abroad. 

 What it means and who are eligible So, what is an ePassport? Is it different from the conventional passport? 

Well, an ePassport is essentially a smarter version of the conventional paper passport. It looks very similar to the standard passport, but comes equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an embedded antenna. These components are inserted into the back cover of the passport as an inlay. What sets it apart visually is a small gold-colored chip symbol printed below the front cover. This RFID chip securely stores personal details and biometric information of the passport holder, like photograph and fingerprint data, in a digital format.

Why is the ePassport beneficial? One of the biggest advantages of the ePassport is its ability to prevent forgery and tampering. While the passport holder’s information will still be printed on the physical booklet, the same data will also be digitally stored and signed on the chip. 

Immigration officers across the globe will be able to electronically verify the authenticity of this information using advanced systems. The technology behind this security is known as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). It ensures that the data on the chip has not been altered and truly belongs to the passport holder. This makes it extremely difficult for criminals to create fake passports or tamper with existing ones, greatly enhancing international travel security. 

Additionally, ePassports speed up immigration checks, as contactless scanning of the chip allows for faster processing at eGates in many airports. 

 What’s changing and how it matters Do you need to replace your current passport? If you already hold a valid Indian passport, there’s no need to rush to replace it. Existing passports will remain valid until their expiry date. As the ePassport rollout continues, applicants who apply at ePassport-enabled Passport Offices will automatically receive the upgraded version. The government is implementing the ePassport system in phases, and full nationwide coverage will take a few more months. How to apply for an ePassport Applying for an ePassport is straightforward and follows the same steps as a regular passport application — with a few added digital upgrades: 

Visit the official Passport Seva website: www.passportindia.gov.in Create an account or log in if you're an existing user. Fill in the ePassport application with accurate details. Choose your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK). Pay the application fee online. Schedule an appointment for biometric capture and document verification. Visit the chosen center at your scheduled time slot. 

Beware of fake passport service websites The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a warning about fraudulent websites mimicking official passport services. These websites often operate under domains like *.org, *.in, or *.com and may charge extra fees or steal user data. Some known fake websites include (source: https://www.passportindia.gov.in/psp): www.indiapassport.org www.passport-india.in www.online-passportindia.com www.applypassport.org www.passport-seva.in www.passportindiaportal.in

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has also clarified that sponsorship letters will no longer be accepted for NRI quota admissions

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has also clarified that sponsorship letters will no longer be accepted for NRI quota admissions

Centre issues new guidelines for NRI medical admissions, sponsorship letter no longer valid

Updated: Jul 26th, 2025

The Central Government has issued new and stricter guidelines regarding admissions under the NRI (Non-Resident Indian) quota in medical colleges across India.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has also clarified that sponsorship letters will no longer be accepted for NRI quota admissions. Only candidates who are themselves NRIs or whose parents hold valid NRI status, certified by the Indian Embassy or the Ministry of External Affairs, will be eligible to apply under the NRI quota.

According to the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), the following documents are now mandatory for NRI quota admissions:

NEET Score Card issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA)

Self-Attested Declaration stating that the candidate is an NRI/OCI/PIO or the child of NRI parents (as per the prescribed format)

OCI/PIO Card of the candidate, if applicable

The NRI status must be confirmed through a certificate issued by the Indian Mission or Embassy abroad. The submission of this document is mandatory at the time of admission reporting. These certificates will be scrutinised by the MCC and then sent to the respective embassies for verification.

Maharashtra redefines NRI quota rules for MBBS admission 2025; court-issued guardianship must for wards

Maharashtra redefines NRI quota rules for MBBS admission 2025; court-issued guardianship must for wards 

Anu Parthiban | July 24, 2025 | 03:34 PM IST | 2 mins read

A 15% institutional quota seats in private unaided institutions will be filled on the All India basis, which includes NRI. Maharashtra does not have separate NRI quota for MBBS admissions.

NEET College Predictor Check your admission chances in Maharashtra MBBS/BDS/AYUSH Colleges through NEET Rank & Category

Maharashtra NEET UG 2025 counselling begins. (Representational image: Freepik) The Maharashtra government has revised the definition and eligibility criteria for the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota seeking admission to MBBS and allied courses in the state medical colleges through NEET UG scores. The Maharashtra CET Cell has introduced a stricter document verification process and provided clarity about “guardians” to ensure transparency in the selection process.

The Maharashtra NEET UG counselling schedule 2025 was announced on Wednesday. The registration and fee payment facility has been made available for Maharashtra NEET 2025 CAP 1. Candidates will be able to apply for admission by July 30 on the official website, medicalug2025.mahacet.org/NEET-UG-2025/login.

A 15% institutional quota seats for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH courses in private unaided institutions will be filled on the All India basis, which includes eligible NRI, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), and candidates from Other than Maharashtra State (OMS). There is no separate NRI quota for MBBS and BDS admissions in Maharashtra.

The revised definition of NRI for Maharashtra NEET UG counselling 2025:

“Non-Resident Indian (NRI)” means, a person who is “not ordinary resident” as defined under sub-section (6) of section 6 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and has been issued a Non-Resident Indian certificate accordingly by an Indian Mission or Post abroad and includes his child or ward as defined in the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890”.

According to the Guardians and Wards Act 1890, “ward” means a minor for whose person or property, or both, there is a guardian.

Maharashtra MBBS Admission 2025: Who is an NRI? The following candidates are eligible for admission to NRI quota.

The candidate is himself / herself NRI. 

Candidates whose parents are NRI. 

Candidates who are ward of NRI, the ward will be as defined in the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. 

Must have qualified NEET 2025 and fulfill all other eligibility criteria given on the brochure. Candidates who fulfill the eligibility criteria will have to mandatorily register on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal, fn.mahacet.org. They are also required to pay 50+ 1150 US Dollars to be considered for the Centralised Admission Process (CAP).

Documents to claim NRI quota Candidates applying for NRI quota under the 15% institutional quota will have to submit the following documents to claim the reservation.

Certificate issued by an Indian Mission/ Post abroad regarding Non Resident Indian status of candidate, Parents, Guardian. 

Passport, Nationality certificate of candidate and parents/ guardian. 

In the case of a guardian, a certificate issued by the court having power to make order as to guardianship. 

True copy of foreign bank account passbook (copies of main page indicating bank name and address, name and address, with entries of last preceding 6 months prior to admission) of Candidate / Parents / Guardian. Foreign Candidate Registration Portal Receipt (https://fn.mahacet.org/).

NEET UG 2025: NRI Quota Admissions Only After Three-Tier Verification

NEET UG 2025: NRI Quota Admissions Only After Three-Tier Verification

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) released the All India Quota MBBS and BDS seat matrix on Tuesday night.

Patrika Desk

Jul 23, 2025

NEET UG

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), New Delhi, has issued a notification implementing new conditions for the admission process to MBBS seats under the NRI quota.

According to the new guidelines, students seeking admission under the NRI quota must now have their NRI status verified by the Indian Mission of the Ministry of External Affairs in their respective countries. Only after verification of documents related to the student's NRI status, or their status as the son/daughter of an NRI, or being under the guardianship of an NRI, by the Indian Mission in the country concerned, will the student be eligible for admission to an MBBS seat under the NRI quota. If documents related to the NRI category are found to be forged, action will be taken against not only the student but also the medical institution granting admission. If forged or incomplete documents are found during the investigation, the MBBS seat allocated to the student will also be cancelled.

Seat Matrix Released, Choice Filling Until 28t

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) released the All India quota MBBS and BDS seat matrix on Tuesday night. With this, the MCC has also started the process of the All India online first-round counselling. The seat matrix for the online first-round counselling has been released according to the availability of seats in different institutions. Along with the release of the seat matrix, the choice filling process has also begun, which will run from 22nd to 28th July. Information on the first-round seat allotment will be released on 31st July.

Verification Process

First Level: The respective medical college will verify the documents at the time of reporting.

Second Level: The college will send the documents to the MCC, which will conduct a second verification.

Third Level: The MCC will send the documents to the Indian Mission/Ministry of External Affairs of the respective country for verification.

‘OCI card valid docu for services’

‘OCI card valid docu for services’ 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  25.05.2025

Chennai : Madras high court has ruled that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a valid identity document that could be used to access govt services in India. According to the notification (SO 585(E)) issued by the Union govt, state govts should ensure that OCI registration booklets are treated as identification for any services rendered to them, Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy stated in arecent order. 

Court issued the order while allowing a plea by Manel Amrithkala, who sought direction for Egmore tahsildar to process her application for legal heirship concerning her husband, S Subramaniam, who died on March 5. The petitioner claimed that she lives abroad with her two sons and, therefore, does not possess an Aadhaar card or any other identity document. Since Union govt has issued a notification to treat OCI card as valid identity document, she approached court to process her application. 

Agreeing with her submissions, the court directed the state govt to treat the OCI card as a valid identity document and process her application for legal heirship in physical mode, as the online portal does not permit OCI cards.

‘NRI’s cap gains on MF units sale can’t be taxed in India’ Such Gains Only Taxable In Country Of Residence:

‘NRI’s cap gains on MF units sale can’t be taxed in India’ Such Gains Only Taxable In Country Of Residence: 

ITAT Lubna.Kably@timesofindia.com 13.04.2025

Mumbai : In a significant relief to a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) investor, the Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that short-term capital gains of Rs 1.35 crore arising from the redemption of mutual fund units are not taxable in India, under the IndiaSingapore tax treaty. 

According to Gautam Nayak, tax partner at CNK & Associates, “This ruling brings out one aspect of the India-Singapore tax treaty (and other similar tax treaties) that many NRIs investing in India are not aware of.

 By virtue of the tax treaty, capital gains on sale of mutual fund units is taxable only in the country of residence, and not in India.” “This benefit of capital gains on sale of units not being taxable in India will equally apply to tax treaties with other countries having similar provisions — such as those with UAE, Mauritius, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, to name a few. 

In these tax treaties, assets other than immovable property and shares of a company fall under ‘the residual clause’. This clause provides that the gains are taxable only in the country of residence of the seller,” explained Nayak. 

In the matter heard by the ITAT, A Shah, a Singapore tax resident, had declared capital gains of Rs 88.75 lakh from debt mutual funds and Rs 46.91 lakh from equity mutual funds during the financial year 2021–22. 

In her Income-Tax (I-T) return, she claimed exemption for these capital gains under the residual clause of Article 13 of the tax treaty, which provides that the gains would be taxable only in her country of tax residence (Singapore) and not in India. 

The I-T officer rejected the claim and taxed the capital gains, by contending that the mutual fund units derived substantial value from Indian assets and, as a result, would be subject to tax in India. 

The litigation finally reached the doors of the ITAT, with Shah submitting that units of mutual funds do not qualify as ‘shares’ and thus fall outside the scope of taxable capital gains under the I-T Act read with the tax treaty provisions. 

Based on earlier jurisprudence, in similar cases, the tax tribunal noted that units of Indian mutual funds are issued by trusts and not companies, and therefore cannot be equated with ‘shares’. It held that the ‘residual clause’ would apply and the gains arising from sale of units of mutual funds would be taxable only in Singapore.

PG NEET: NRI application rejection doubles at 324

PG NEET: NRI application rejection doubles at 324 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  17.03.2025 BANGALURU

Bengaluru : Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) rejected 324 applications for NRI (nonresident Indian) quota in PG NEET admissions this time, more than twice the number it did last year. As the PG NEET admissions for 2024-25 come to a close, a closer look at the data shows that KEA received 1,090 applications for NRI seats. This was 91 more than last year. While 766 of these were approved, 324 were rejected. At the same time last year, 850 were approved and 149 rejected. The bigger rejection rate is because of the stringent scrutiny KEA adhered to after a scam in allotting NRI seats was reported from Tamil Nadu. 

It may be recalled that in TN, a verification by the selection committee at the Directorate of Medical Education found that at least 44 doctors faked their certificates in their applications. Candidates applying under NRI sponsorship must have a real blood relation to the financial supporter. “As per the SC rulings, it should be up to first-degree relation. But many of the applications had only distant relations with the sponsor, resulting in their rejection. We also wrote to various embassies asking about the genuineness of the certificates, but we are yet to receive any reply from them,” said H Prasanna, KEA executive director.

“Many candidates approached us and asked us to consider their applications under general category,” he said. The number of seats allotted to NRI quota has also fallen drastically this year. Only 87 seats were allotted, while 344 vacant seats were converted to management. Last year, 394 seats were allotted for NRIs, and only 254 were converted to management. “We are unable to understand why only fewer students took up NRI seats this year. Students try through various states and the All India quota. They might have got better seats elsewhere,” he said.

In bid to curb fraud, Canada could stop awarding points for job offers under Express Entry Route

In bid to curb fraud, Canada could stop awarding points for job offers under Express Entry Route 

Lubna Kably TNN 20.12.2024 

In the coming year, Canada’s point-based immigration system is likely to undergo a significant change as the federal govt aims to tighten rules to curb fraudulent practices tied to job offers. Those applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry system will no longer receive additional points for job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), according to a recent statement made by immigration Marc Miller, Immigration Minister. 

“We are implementing further measures that will reinforce programme integrity and reduce potential LMIA fraud, such as removing additional points that candidates receive under Express Entry for having a job offer,” Miller stated during a recent television appearance. The exact date of implementation has not been announced, nor is there any official statement from Canada’s immigration agency. A senior manager’s role covered by the National Occupational Code fetches 200 points, all others with a LMIA-backed job offer get 50 points. The LMIA process requires Canadian employers to demonstrate that no suitable Canadian workers are available for a position before hiring a foreign worker. Recently Canadian media has highlighted cases where unscrupulous middlemen sold LMIA backed job offers at exorbitant prices. Miller’s proposed move is expected to nip this in the bud. 

India has continued to be the top source country for those getting invitations to apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry route. In 2023, nearly 52,100 Indians were invited to be permanent residents (bagging 47% of the total invites). The change, when introduced, could impact many Indians who were aspiring to become permanent residents in Canada. Several immigration experts and aspiring migrants view that this proposed measure is not the right step. “It is akin to throwing the baby out with the bath-water”, says a software professional who with a LMIA backed job was hoping to be a permanent resi dent in the coming months. TOI spoke to a few immigration experts. They point out that under the CRS mechanism age also plays a differential factor. Those in the peak of their youth get the maximum points. 

To illustrate, an individual in the age group of 20-29, who is aspiring for being a permanent resident gets an points of 110 if the application is without an accompanying spouse. An application with a spouse fetches 100 points. Those who are 40 years old get 50 and 45 points respectively. Once an individual is 45, nil points are awarded. “Thus, the 50-200 points awarded for a LMIA-backed job offer is crucial to many experienced professionals, especially those in the 40-plus bracket,” explains an immigration consultant. Even genuine candidates who hoped to rely on LMIAbacked points will now find it challenging to meet CRS cut-off scores and obtain permanent residency.

HC stays counselling for NRI quota PG seats in pvt colleges

HC stays counselling for NRI quota PG seats in pvt colleges 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 19.12.2024

Jabalpur : Madhya Pradesh high court on Wednesday, in an interim order, said that NRI quota seats shall not be filled in the ensuing counselling of PG courses at private medical colleges until it delivers the final verdict. The move came in response to a petition that alleges the 15% seats reserved for NRIs in the state’s private medical colleges are being allocated only in eight popular courses and not evenly distributed. A division Bench of high court, comprising Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice Anuradha Shukla, observed, “Taking into consideration the fact that the matter was heard and reserved today and a final decision may take some time, in the interest of justice and with a view to avoid the creation of third-party rights… until the delivery of the final order, the seats under NRI quota shall not be filled in the ensuing counselling of PG courses and be kept in abeyance.” HC reserved its final orders. The PIL, filed by Dr Ojas Yadav from Bhopal, says NEET prepared a merit list for NRIs and although there are 22 branches in medical colleges, state govt allocated NRI quota seats to only eight high-demand branches. Advocate Alok Bagrecha, representing the petitioner, argued that the “excessive allocation” of NRI quota seats in selected branches would affect the rights of meritorious students, as the number of available seats decreased. There are 545 seats in these eight branches, with 152 allocated under NRI quota. NRI quota seats should be distributed across all branches, the counsel said, arguing that the process adopted by state govt is illegal. The seat matrix of private colleges, which outlines the seats allocated to each category, was prepared in violation of Medical Education Admission Rules-2018, the petitioner argued before the court. Instead of the stipulated 15% for NRI quota, 40 to 50% seats have been reserved in various branches, the petition says, adding that choice filling is being conducted without providing time for claims and objections as per admission rules

Will EWS students securing NRI and mgmt quota seats create a level playing field

Will EWS students securing NRI and mgmt quota seats create a level playing field

Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesofindia.com 16.12.2024

NEET PG admissions have sparked debates about fairness as some students from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) are obtaining management and NRI quota seats in medical colleges. . , requiring them to pay course fees amounting to crores of rupees. However, experts argue that their admissions could be valid considering both Management and NRI quota seats fall under the unreserved category and are open to students from every stratum. Since EWS candidates are those who belong to families with an annual income of less than Rs 8 lakh, there is a murmur on how such candidates can pay a sizeable sum running into crores for their three-year PG degree course. 

Providing clarity 

Clearing doubts about the issue, a senior faculty from a medical college in Delhi-NCR, explains, “As per the norms, both management and NRI quota seats come under the unreserved category, hence these seats are open to EWS candidates, including those from the SC/ST categories, as per merit and choice. The problem arises when candidates claim to be from the EWS category during the application form-filling and later, at the time of reporting for counselling, opt for the NRI/management quota seats where the course fees are high. In such instances, a candidate's EWS certificate has no relevance. If aspirants are raising ethical concerns, they should take it up on a case-to-case basis with the college authorities offering admissions and the relevant administrative bodies, in this case, it is the tehsildar of the respective states that issues the EWS certificate. after the necessary verifications.”

 As per a media report, over 24,600 PG medical seats were allotted in the first round announced on November 20. Of these, 135 management quota seats in the private medical colleges and 8 NRI seats were allotted to candidates registered as EWS in clinical specialties of private medical colleges for which they need to pay tuition fees that could range anywhere between Rs 25 lakh to Rs 90 lakh per annum. It is important to note that the verification of credentials for students applying under the EWS category is typically handled at the state level or by individual colleges rather than directly by the NMC. The recent developments have generated concern regarding the mismatch in the admission process. Many aspiring medical students feel that those who may have wrongfully taken advantage of the EWS classification are undermining the opportunities meant for genuinely disadvantaged individuals.

Private medical colleges often prioritize profit generation, and management and NRI quota seats can command significantly higher fees than government quotas. This financial incentive may lead colleges to overlook regulations on EWS certification,” says Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, MAHE.

Govt replies to plea against NRI quota in med colleges

Govt replies to plea against NRI quota in med colleges 

HC SEEKS RESPONSE TIMES NEWS NETWORK 10.12.2024 

Bhopal/Jabalpur : The state govt on Monday presented its reply in response to a petition filed in the MP high court challenging that all the seats under NRI quota in private medical colleges are restricted to only 8 branches of medical science, which remain high in demand. The bench comprising Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf, who are hearing the pe- tition, asked for distribution of copies of the reply to all the parties in the case while fixing the case for hearing on December 18. Dr Ojas Yadav of Bhopal in his petition said that NEET prepared a list of eligible NRI candidates for admission. The NRI quota in private medical colleges of the state is 15 percent. There are normally 22 branches of medical science in a medical college but the NRI quota is applicable to only 8 branches, which attract the maximum number of students. 

Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Alok Bagrecha said that more NRI seats in branches which have a high demand among students affect the prospects of meritorious students as the seats in those branches gets drastically reduced. There are 545 seats in the 8 branches in question, 152 of them reserved for NRI. In a medical college at Bhopal, there are 8 post graduate seats in surgery, 4 of them reserved for NRIs. No seat has been allotted to gene- ral and SC candidates. He contended that NRI quota seats should be evenly distributed among all the branches. The reservation policy being followed by the state government is illegal. In several top branches, 40 to 50% have been reserved for the NRI students. The court had asked the respondents in the case to file replies on the petition. 

After receiving a reply from the state govt, the court asked for circulation of its copies among all the litigants involved in the case while deferring hearing of the case to December 18.

ED raid on pvt med cols

ED raid on pvt med cols

RohitKhanna@timesofindia.com  04.12.2024

Kolkata : The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday conducted raids on 19 premises across West Bengal, including seven medical colleges in the state, in connection with alleged quota corruption in MBBS admissions at private medical colleges. While absconding Trinamool Yuva leader Vinay Mishra is the director of a medical college, Malay Pit, a close aide of Anubrata Mandal, is director of another medical college.

Searches were also conducted at the Haldia residence of former CPM leader Laxman Seth. Two ED teams reached the Salt Lake BC block residence of a relative of an owner of a medical college. They searched the residence and took documents from the owner. Another team reached the medical college near Jadavpur in the evening. It all started after ED initiated a case based on an FIR at the Electronic Complex police station. Allegations suggest that fake documents were used for NRI quota admissions since 2021. Each of the seven medical colleges under scrutiny has 23 seats reserved for NRIs. These colleges charge between Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 1.7 crore annually as tuition fees from students admitted under the NRI quota. According to ED sources, cumulatively Rs 28 crore was mopped up by each of these medical colleges each year

NRI quota allocated unfairly to most sought branches: HC

NRI quota allocated unfairly to most sought branches: HC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 03.12.2024

Jabalpur : The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notices and sought replies while hearing a petition alleging that the 15% of seats in the state's private medical colleges, reserved for NRIs, are only being allocated in eight popular courses and not evenly distributed, which is against the rights of meritorious non-NRI students.

The division bench of the high court, comprising Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf, issued notices to the respondents, seeking their response. The public interest petition, filed by Dr Ojas Yadav from Bhopal, stated that NEET prepared a merit list for NRIs. Private medical colleges in the state allocate 15% of seats under the NRI quota. Although there are 22 branches in medical colleges, the state govt allocated NRI quota seats to only eight branches, which are in high demand. Advocate Alok Bagrecha, representing the petitioner, argued that the excessive allocation of NRI quota seats in selected branches would affect the rights of meritorious students, as the number of available seats decreased. There are a total of 545 seats in the eight branches, with 152 allocated under the NRI quota. 

NRI quota seats should have been distributed across all branches. The process adopted by the state govt is completely illegal, the counsel said. The seat matrix of private colleges, which outlines the seats allocated to each category, was prepared in violation of the Medical Education Admission Rules-2018, the petitioner claimed before the court. Instead of the stipulated 15% for the NRI quota, 40 to 50% have been reserved in various branches. And, choice filling is being conducted without providing time for claims and objections as per admission rules. After the hearing, the bench issued notices to the respondents, seeking a response within a week

PG medical admissions: 44 doctors submit fake certs to avail NRI quota

PG medical admissions: 44 doctors submit fake certs to avail NRI quota

PushpaNarayan@timesofindia.com 26.11.2024 

Chennai : At least 44 doctors have faked their certificates in their applications for postgraduate medical courses in Tamil Nadu under the non-resident Indian (NRI) quota, a verification by the selection committee at the Directorate of Medical Education has found. Half a dozen embassies/ consulates of countries, including those of the US, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Kuwait, recently confirmed the “ingenuity” of certificates given by these candidates. 

In October, a list published by the postgraduate committee showed that 221 of the 446 (nearly 50%) candidates were ineligible either because they had not submitted adequate documents or because of errors in submission. “While some candidates were allowed to submit documents, the candidature of 44 doctors was declared invalid,” said selection committee secretary Dr P Arunalatha. “We will act against everyone who have produced fake certificates. We asked for legal opinion," she said.

On Monday, officials said the number of ineligible candidates was reduced to 114 from 221 after many candidates submitted relevant documents. More than 20 students faked consulate certificates in 2023, officials said. “If doctors forge certificates, it amounts to unethical practice. They should be debarred,” said Tamil Nadu Medical Council former president Dr K Senthil. At least five students serving their bond period in various govt hospitals applied for admission under the service quota, according to senior officials. “These candidates have also been made ineligible,” said a senior official at the Directorate of Medical Education. Two days ago, the under graduate committee announced that it would file a police complaint and initiate legal action against six candidates who had submitted fake certificates from at least four consulates. 

20% of in-service quota seats to be added to general pool Chennai : At least 20% of seats under the in-service quota in postgraduate medical courses are likely to be added to the general pool in the last few rounds of counselling by the selection committee in Tamil Nadu as there are not enough applicants. “This year, we have nearly 1,150 seats for the in-service quota, but there are just 1,094 applicants,” said a senior official in the selection committee. “Some of these applicants may apply through the general category, leaving no takers for nearly 20% of the seats. So, once we exhaust the in-service merit list, we will add vacant seats to the general pool,” officials said. Doctors' associations said fewer in-service candidates appeared for NEET-PG this year. “We don’t have enough candidates because there aren’t enough doctors,” said Service and Postgraduate Doctors’Association secretary Dr A Ramalingam.

HC refuses to hear PIL against NRI quota in med colleges

HC refuses to hear PIL against NRI quota in med colleges

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  25.11.2024 

Bhopal/Jabalpur : A division bench of MP high court, which had a special sitting on Sunday to hear a public interest litigation over NRI quota in private medical colleges of the state, refused to hear the issue as a PIL. Following this, the petitioner sought to withdraw the PIL, which the court allowed with a liberty to the petitioner to use alternative legal remedies available to him. 

Advocate Vishal Baghel in his PIL said that NEET had prepared a merit list for the NRIs. In the private medical colleges of the state, 15% quota is given to NRIs. There are 22 branches of studies in a medical college, but the state govt has distributed the NRI quota among 8 branches only, which are the most-sought-after branches. He contended that distributing seats of NRI quota among 8 branches rather than all the 22 branches available in medical colleges affects the prospects of meritorious candidates since seats available for them are reduced. 

The state govt's decision to keep NRI quota only in 8 branches rather than all the 22 branches is illegal since it's depriving general candidates of their chance to get admission in their desired branch. The bench headed by the chief justice Suresh Kumar Kait and also comprising Justice Vishal Dhagat while referring to supreme court order said that since the issue concerns admission in a professional course, therefore i can't be heard in the form of PIL. Interests of the petitioner are not being affected in the matter in any manner. Therefore, the issue can't be raised in the form of a PIL. Following this, the petitioner sought to withdraw the petition, which the judges allowed while giving him liberty to use other legal remedies available to him.

SC scraps Punjab's NRI quota expansion, calls it a fraudSource: PTI

SC scraps Punjab's NRI quota expansion, calls it a fraudSource: PTI

September 24, 2024 19:10 IST

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Punjab government's appeal against a high court verdict quashing its decision to expand the definition of 'NRI quota' for admissions in undergraduate medical and dental courses in the state. "This fraud must come to an end now," the apex court said.

On September 10, the Punjab and Haryana high court trashed the Aam Aadmi Party-led government's August 20 move to include distant relatives "such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins" of NRIs for admissions under 15 per cent quota for this group in admissions in state medical colleges.

"This is nothing but a money spinning machine," observed a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

More like this

"We will dismiss all the petitions. This NRI business is nothing but a fraud. We will put an end to all this.... now the so-called precedents must give way to primacy of law," said the bench.

Terming the high court verdict "absolutely right," the court said, "Look at the deleterious consequences... the candidates who have three times higher marks will lose admission (in NEET-UG courses)."

The top court said distant relatives of a 'mama, tai, taya,' who are settled abroad, will get admissions ahead of meritorious candidates and this cannot be allowed.

"This is completely a fraud. And this is what we are doing with our education system !...We will affirm the high court judgment. We must stop this NRI quota business now. The judges know what they are dealing with. The high court has dealt with the case threadbare," the CJI said.

"Let us put a lid on this... what is this ward? You just have to say that I am looking after X ... We cannot lend our authority to something which is blatantly illegal," the bench said while dismissing the plea of the state government.

Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the Punjab government, said that other states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh also followed the broader interpretation of term 'NRI quota.'

Moreover, the states have the power to decide as to how 15 per cent NRI quota has to be granted.

Out of total NEET-UG seats, 85 per cent seats in medical colleges are filled up by the states in medical colleges under their jurisdiction, the counsel, in favour of NRI quota, told the bench.

The bench said now the central government will have to take note of this as well.

A division bench of the high court had come out with an elaborate judgment trashing the state government decision to broaden the ambit of NRI quota for admissions in Punjab medical colleges.

The high court took note of the submissions that the decision to widen the ambit of NRI quota was taken to divert the seats which would have otherwise come to the general category applicants.

"Imparting education is not an economic activity but a welfare-oriented endeavour as the ultimate aim is to achieve an egalitarian and prosperous society in order to bring about social transformation and upliftment of the nation.

"Doctrine of merit and fairness cannot be sacrificed only because the students falling in the expanded definition of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) possess financial muscle.

"Capitation fee has totally been prohibited. If the admissions in the expanded NRI category to include non-genuine NRIs are permitted; the prohibition made on charge of capitation fee would serve no higher purpose, as the State/private colleges would be at liberty to reap the benefits by amending the provisions according to their whims, which means accepting it by disguising the process," the high court said.

The expansion of 'NRI' definition through the state government corrigendum is "unjustified for several reasons," the high court said.

"Initially, the 'NRI Quota' was intended to benefit genuine NRIs and their children, allowing them to access education opportunities in India. By broadening the definition to include distant relatives such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins, the core objective of NRI quota is undermined.

"This widening opens the door for potential misuse, allowing individuals who do not fall within the original intent of the policy to take advantage of these seats, potentially bypassing more deserving candidates," it said.

6 MBBS candidates submit fake NRI certs; cancelled now

6 MBBS candidates submit fake NRI certs; cancelled now

Pushpa.Narayan@timesofindia.com  23/11/2024

Chennai : Six MBBS-aspirants under Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota category had forged the embassy certificates, and three of them managed to get seats allotted in self-financing colleges, said the state selection committee which handles medical admissions. The MBBS seats allotted to the three candidates have been cancelled, and now these will be included in the seat matrix during the special stray vacancy round scheduled for next week, the committee announced on Friday. It said the candidature of all six candidates was cancelled after ‘genuinity verification’. The committee sought verification of documents submitted by candidates to the respective embassies/consulates. At least four of them – Canada, Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah – replied stating that the certificates of six candidates were fake. Officials from the embassies also sought an action taken report from the govt. 

“We will be initiating legal action against the candidates. Their applications have been decl ared invalid,” a senior official said. Replies from a few other embassies/consulates are still awaited. Up to 15% of the seats in self-financing medical colleges and private medical universities are set aside for the NRI quota. These seats are reserved for students with NRI/OCI/PIO status. 

To apply under this category, students must provide documents that show their parents or relatives (one of the eight categories, such as sibling, grandparent, uncle, or aunt) are living abroad. “While processing applications before the first round of MBBS admission, more than 100 applications were made ineligible. This was because the ‘relatives’ were not as per the specification, or documents were insufficient,” the official said. The committee later emailed documents, including embassy certificates, to the respective embassies for verification. “We started the counselling because we have limited time. Three out of the six candidates were granted seats in two medical colleges,” he said. 

Two candidates were accepted into Madha Medical College and Research Institute in Chennai, while one was placed  in Karpagam Faculty of Medical Sciences and Research in Coimbatore. All these allotments have now been cancelled. These three seats will be added to the seat matrix for the special round of counselling, scheduled to begin on Nov 25. This will take the total seat tally for the special stray round to 60 – one seat in Stanley Medical College, six seats NRI/NRI lapsed seats in self-financing colleges, three NRI admissions that were cancelled, and 50 additional seats to Annaii Medical College and Hospital.