Why Canada’s Visa Is Turning Into a Death Trap for Indian Students

Recent incidents of violence involving Indian students in Canada have raised serious concerns about their safety following multiple fatal cases. Earlier this month, 20-year-old doctoral student Shivank Avasthi was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. Emergency responders found him with gunshot wounds on Highland Creek Trail, where he was declared dead at the scene. Police are treating the case as a homicide, with suspects fleeing before authorities arrived.

A troubling increase in violent crimes against Indian students has been reported across 2024 and 2025, alarming the Indian diaspora and diplomatic circles. While earlier cases were largely seen as isolated incidents, the recent rise in fatal shootings and targeted attacks points to growing security challenges for international students.

Canadian authorities have attributed the trend to multiple factors, including rising gang activity in major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, where many students work late-night shifts in higher-risk areas. Economic pressures, a housing crisis, and the spread of online anti-immigrant rhetoric are also cited as contributing to a more hostile environment, according to experts.