Chandigarh, 14 December 2024: Indian students pursuing higher education in Canada are expressing concern after receiving requests from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to resubmit critical documents, including study permits, visas, and educational records.
Many of these students possess valid visas extending up to two years, yet they are now being asked to comply with the directive issued via email.
The resubmission process coincides with significant changes to Canada’s immigration policies, including the recent discontinuation of the fast-track Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, which was designed to streamline the arrival of international students. Additionally, stricter guidelines for financial aid applications have been introduced, further complicating the situation for those relying on such support.
Some students, particularly from Punjab, were called to IRCC offices for verification of credentials, according to reports by The Times of India. These measures, enacted last week, have left students uncertain about their academic and immigration status.
“Unclear instructions and additional document requests are creating unnecessary stress,” said one student, requesting anonymity. “We need clarity and assurance from Canadian authorities.”
India, recognized as the largest source of international students in Canada, accounts for over 4,27,000 students currently enrolled, according to the Indian High Commission.
The recent developments have prompted students to call on IRCC to communicate more transparently and address their concerns promptly. Meanwhile, they have been urged to adhere to the agency’s requirements to avoid potential complications.
These changes to student visa regulations come as Canada adjusts its overall immigration strategy.
On October 24, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced revised targets for permanent residency, revealing plans to admit 3,95,000 new residents in 2025, down from the 4,85,000 anticipated in 2024.
This recalibration is viewed as part of broader efforts to manage immigration while addressing domestic challenges.
As policies shift and processes grow more stringent, Indian students in Canada find themselves caught in a wave of uncertainty, underscoring the need for clearer communication from Canadian immigration authorities.
