Deepak Chatri said it was a lifelong “dream” to be accepted to a Canadian post-secondary institution. A one-way ticket from his home in northern India cost over $2,000 — while tuition at Northern College, the school that accepted his application for a one-year post-graduate program — runs over $16,000 for international students.
In an email to TimminsToday, Northern College president and CEO Audrey Penner said they didn’t make the decision to revoke admission letters “lightly or in haste.” Before being issued a student visa, applicants need to be accepted by one of the country’s DLIs. According to the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship’s website, there are over 500 such schools in Ontario alone.
“Our office has engaged regularly with both Northern and Pures to communicate our expectation that they work together to find solutions that respect the best interests of students,” the Ministry said. Penner, who has led the Timmins-based college since 2020, said the school is working with the students on transfers to other colleges, or issuing refunds.