Indian students pursuing education in Canada are experiencing heightened anxiety following requests from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to resubmit essential documents, including study permits, visas, and academic records. This development has raised concerns about the stability of their academic pursuits and future prospects in the country.
Unexpected Requests from IRCC
Many Indian students, some holding visas valid until 2026, have reported receiving emails from IRCC requesting the resubmission of critical documents. These communications have caused confusion and worry among the student community. Avinash Kaushik, a postgraduate student from Hyderabad studying in Surrey, British Columbia, expressed his surprise: “I was a bit shocked when I received the email. My visa is valid until 2026, yet I was asked to submit all my documents again.” He added that the authorities are seeking proof of attendance, academic marks, and details of part-time employment.
Stricter Policies and In-Person Verifications
The IRCC has been tightening policies to manage the influx of international students, introducing more stringent financial requirements and considering potential caps on student admissions. Some students, particularly from Punjab, have been asked to visit IRCC offices in person to verify their credentials, further deepening their concerns. Avinash Dasari, a student from Hyderabad studying in Ontario, noted, “Many students are confused and worried.”
Impact on Indian Student Community
Canada has seen a significant increase in international student enrollment, with Indian students comprising a substantial portion. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Canada hosts approximately 4.2 lakh Indian students, making it the country with the largest number of Indian students abroad, followed by the United States with 3.3 lakh.
The sudden requests for document resubmission have left many students feeling uncertain about their future. Manisha Patel, a business management student from Adilabad now in British Columbia, shared her sentiments: “We chose Canada for its welcoming environment, but this feels unfair.”
Calls for Clear Communication
Students are urging the IRCC to provide clearer communication and address their concerns promptly. In the meantime, experts advise students to act swiftly in submitting the requested documents to avoid potential complications. Mehbub Rajwani, an immigration consultant in Toronto, commented, “This move appears to be part of Canada’s broader strategy to control the number of international students.”
Conclusion
The recent actions by Canadian immigration authorities have introduced uncertainty among Indian students, who now face additional administrative hurdles. Clear communication from the IRCC and timely compliance by students are essential to ensure that their educational journeys in Canada proceed without further disruptions.
