Indian students in Canada were taken aback after receiving emails from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requesting the resubmission of critical documents, including study permits, visas, academic records, attendance, and part-time work details. Many of these students hold visas valid for up to two more years, causing confusion and concern. A postgraduate student from Hyderabad shared with The Times of India (TOI) that despite holding a valid visa until 2026, they were required to provide comprehensive documentation, including attendance and marks. Similar experiences were reported by several students, particularly those from Punjab.
“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,” Avinash Kaushik, a postgraduate student from Hyderabad studying in British Columbia’s Surrey told ToI. He said that authorities have sought details of their proof of attendance, marks, part-time job, etc.
IRCC’s request aligns with its tightened regulations to manage the influx of international students. Measures include stricter financial requirements and potential caps on student admissions. Experts believe the initiative aims to identify genuine students and curb abuses of the system, such as switching institutions with looser attendance policies to focus on part-time work.
The development has led to widespread unease, with some students being asked to visit IRCC offices for in-person verifications. India is the largest source of international students in Canada, with over 420,000 Indian students currently enrolled, surpassing those in the US.
Immigration consultant Mehbub Rajwani explained that these measures likely reflect Canada’s strategy to control the surging international student population. He urged students to promptly comply with documentation requirements to avoid potential visa cancellations.
Affected students have called on IRCC for clearer communication to address their concerns.
Rise in international students in Canada
Canada has experienced a significant rise in international student enrollment in recent years, with Indian students making up a substantial portion of this group. As of 2024, there are 427,000 Indian students studying in Canada, surpassing the 337,630 Indian students enrolled in the United States.
Amid recent developments, students are urging Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to provide clearer communication regarding its policies and address growing concerns. “We chose Canada for its welcoming environment, but this feels unfair,” said Manisha Patel, a business management student in British Columbia.
Adding to the uncertainty, Canada recently suspended the widely used Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which previously offered a fast-track process for study permits to international students.
Launched in 2018 by IRCC, the SDS program simplified visa applications for students from 14 countries, including India. Until its suspension, the initiative benefited over 300,000 students by requiring specific criteria, such as obtaining a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD 20,635 and meeting English or French language proficiency standards.
