Chinese nationals attending specific government-linked institutions are encountering heightened scrutiny from Canadian immigration officers, leading to the denial of entry for certain international students. One notable case revolves around Yuekang Li, a Chinese student who gained acceptance into a PhD programme in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo in April 2022. The background checks for Li’s application caused persistent delays, leading to multiple deferrals before ultimately rejecting it in early 2023.
A judge affirmed the rejection based on the belief that Li might be coerced into providing information to Chinese authorities. This case has broader implications for students from other nations deemed “hostile states,” as underscored during the legal proceedings where Li’s denial of entry was based on anticipated future actions.
Court records revealed specific concerns about potential coercion, citing Li’s educational background and his chosen field of study in Canada. The court argued that the Chinese government could potentially exploit students like Li to gather information, particularly for military and other strategic interests. Li’s educational credentials, including a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Beihang University, raised additional concerns due to the university’s close ties to China’s defence industry.
Beihang University’s inclusion in the Seven Sons of National Defence, a consortium of public universities in China with connections to the nation’s industry and information technology ministry, added weight to the decision. Li’s detailed study plan, expressing his intention to return to China and contribute to enhancing the public health system, underwent thorough scrutiny by both case officers and the presiding judge.
Moreover, highlighting the complexity of immigration decisions, William Tao, a Canadian immigration lawyer, pointed out that study plans can be a “double-edged sword.” Students may face consequences for expressing a desire to stay and work in Canada, revealing the balance required when evaluating international students’ intentions and potential contributions to the host country.
