The recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have sparked concerns among Indian students, particularly those who have applied for student visas to study abroad.
While Canadian universities and their Indian agents have reassured students that the diplomatic issues are temporary and that it's business as usual, some Indian students remain uneasy about the escalating dispute. The diplomatic discord between the two nations has raised worries among Indian students, especially those who have applied for student visas. Although some applicants have successfully obtained their visas, others are feeling apprehensive due to advisories from Canadian universities suggesting that they wait for the next admission schedule.
As of now, there haven't been reported delays in the issuance of student visas, a process that typically takes about a month. However, India's decision to halt visa processing has introduced an element of uncertainty, leading to concerns that student visa processing might experience delays in the future. Some Canadian universities are echoing these concerns and recommending that students consider deferring their enrollment to the next available intake, as a precautionary measure. Normally, there are three intakes per year: the January/Winter intake, the May/Summer intake, and the September/Fall intake.
A Chandigarh-based immigration agent mentioned, "We are hoping that the diplomatic tensions are temporary. So far, no directions have been issued by the Canadian government, and the visas are being processed as usual. A delay can be expected if Canada also retaliates and stops the visas."
There are concerns that Canada may decide to reduce the number of student visas it grants to Indian students. According to a report by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), Indian immigration to Canada has surged, tripling since 2013. This growth represents a 260 percent increase from 2013 to 2022, with the number of Indian permanent residents in Canada rising significantly. An estimated 47 percent of international students in Canada come from India.
Factors contributing to Canada's popularity among Indian students include its relatively affordable education compared to the US, Australia, and the UK, as well as cultural ties and language barriers. However, this popularity has led Canada to contemplate diversification policies over the past few years to avoid dependency on a single country.
Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, the owner of an immigration firm, noted, "Canada wants to bring down the number of Indian students so that it does not solely depend on a single country. Simultaneously, Canada is geographically a vast country that has more scope for immigrants."
Amid concerns about potential visa delays and caps on Indian student numbers in Canada, some Indian students are exploring alternative study destinations, including Australia, the UK, and the US. While some students still prefer Canada, others are considering different options based on their individual circumstances.
These considerations come with their own set of challenges, including higher costs in some countries. For example, the UK has raised visa fees for students and visitors, while Australia has increased the savings threshold for international students, requiring them to demonstrate higher savings to cover living expenses starting in October 2023.
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