New law, huge rent and high grocery prices: Why an Indian student wants to come back

As living expenses continue to rise and new immigration policies make career progression more challenging, many international students in Canada are reconsidering their future in the country. One such student, an architect and interior designer, recently shared her perspective in a conversation with Piyush Monga, the founder of Salary Scale and co-founder of MapleTalent Hub, on why she is contemplating a return to India.

Pursuing Business Over Employment

In the viral Instagram reel, the student expressed her concerns about the challenges she faces in Canada. "To be honest, I might go back," she said. "Because I'm an architect and interior designer, and I have my own firm back in India. I just want to spend some time doing that instead of wasting my time here, looking for a job, and working for someone else."

Monga, who focuses on salary transparency and career consulting, asked if she had sought guidance from professionals in her field before making her decision. "Before you do that, have you actually got mentors from your field in Canada? You might want to come across people who are probably making six figures in your field. If you do, and then you find the right path, would you reconsider?" he asked.

Stringent Licensing Requirements and High Living Costs

Acknowledging the possibility, she responded, "Yes, that's true. I might have found someone or the other. But according to the new laws, I think I need seven years of experience to get a Canadian architecture license. That’s something I’m not willing to do because I have my own business. At the end of the day, that’s my goal. I don’t want to work for someone else. I don’t think wasting seven years of my life would be beneficial for me."

The conversation also touched upon the high cost of living, a major concern for many international students in Canada. "Is it difficult to make ends meet nowadays?" Monga asked. Without hesitation, she confirmed, "Yes, of course, that is quite difficult because of the grocery prices and all that. Rent has increased, grocery prices have increased. So yes, it is very difficult."

Job Market Concerns

Monga further questioned whether she felt prepared to enter the Canadian job market after completing her studies. "Actually, no," she admitted, highlighting another significant concern among international students—job readiness in a competitive environment.

However, when asked if she would reconsider her decision if she found the right mentors and managed to secure a high-paying job, she left the door open. "Yeah, maybe. It depends. Whatever opportunity comes across, I would obviously give it a thought."

Monga’s work through Salary Scale and MapleTalent Hub focuses on addressing such concerns by promoting salary transparency and career success strategies. With living costs soaring and immigration requirements tightening, international students are facing tough choices about their futures in Canada.