What Are 'IELTS Weddings'? From Student Visa to Marriage Proposals

Recent immigration regulations in Canada, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, have left aspiring students in Punjab, India, reeling from shattered dreams. Pallavi Sharma, a young woman with dreams of studying abroad, faced unexpected hurdles as the new rules impacted her well-organised plans.

Pallavi's story reflects the broader concerns of those in Punjab facing challenges due to the revised regulations. The engagement of students to sponsor their spouse's student visa has become a prevalent trend, often referred to as 'IELTS weddings.' However, the recent announcement disrupts this pathway, leaving individuals like Pallavi in a precarious situation.

Punjab's Migration Trends and 'IELTS Weddings'

A study by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) reveals the significant role of 'IELTS weddings' in Punjab's overseas migration, constituting 9.51% of migrants. With males outnumbering females, the shift in gender dynamics is attributed to the emerging trend of 'contract marriages,' where men seek spouses with high IELTS scores for study visas.

Seeking IELTS-Passed Brides for Canadian Dreams

The practice of families seeking IELTS-passed girls for matrimonial alliances, often covering wedding expenses and sending the girl to Canada, has become commonplace. However, the new regulations have thrown a wrench into these plans, affecting families like Gurpreet Singh Plaha's, who had aspirations of sending his spouse to Canada.

Ramifications on Immigration Agencies

The impact of the revised regulations extends beyond individuals to immigration agencies. Nitin Chawla from Kapri Education and Immigration Services Inc. notes a substantial downturn in business, with the end of open work permits for spouses of undergraduate students posing survival challenges for immigration and IELTS institutes.

Vinay Hari, a prominent immigration consultant, suggests that the new rules aim to win the confidence of local voters, especially with elections approaching. The correction in policies seeks to redirect students' focus toward master's or professional courses, emphasizing contributions to Punjab's economy.

Dark Side of 'IELTS Weddings'

The widely known trend of groom's families paying for the IELTS exams of economically disadvantaged girls takes a darker turn. Incidents of suicides and police complaints have been reported when girls refused to call grooms after reaching Canada or when couples divorced after obtaining permanent residency.

Nitin Chawla emphasizes a paradigm shift, urging boys to take charge of their education, pass IELTS, and pursue bachelor's courses independently. The era of significant demand for IELTS-passed girls appears to be waning, at least in the near future, as the Trudeau government implements rollbacks in their previous relaxations.