Indian students studying in Canada are currently facing widespread uncertainty and anxiety after receiving emails from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requesting the resubmission of important documents. This unexpected development is causing panic among those who were previously assured of their visa statuses, many of which may be valid for up to two years.
The IRCC's outreach has led to significant disruption within the community of international students, particularly those from India. Reports indicate these emails ask for the resubmission of study permits, visas, and educational records, including attendance and marks. "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," said Avinash Kaushik, a postgraduate student from Hyderabad now studying in Surrey, British Columbia. "They even want proof of attendance, marks, where we are working part-time, etc.," he added.
This sudden influx of requests coincides with Canada tightening its student admission policies to manage the surge of international students. This includes stricter financial requirements and the exploration of potential caps on the number of students allowed to enter the country. The new measures aim to filter out students who may not fully comply with the educational requirements, raising alarms about the treatment of current students.
The concern is palpable among students, as noted by Avinash Dasari, another Indian student from Hyderabad studying in Ontario. "Many students are confused and worried. Some suspect this might lead to unnecessary delays or even rejections for those applying for jobs," he said, expressing the pressure fellow students feel with their studies combined with administrative procedures.
Indian students make up a large proportion of the overseas student demographic at Canadian institutions, with the Ministry of External Affairs reporting about 4.2 lakh currently enrolled—far surpassing the 3.3 lakh enrolled students in the United States. This statistic highlights the significant impact of Canadian policies on this specific community.
Compounding the issue, students are struggling with the reality of life as international students amid these changes. "We chose Canada for its welcoming environment, but this feels unfair," voiced Manisha Patel, a business management student from Adilabad now studying in British Columbia. She expressed her frustration during the current job search, which is typically stressful for students and has only been exacerbated by these new regulations.
Students are collectively urging the IRCC to clarify their communication and alleviate the arising fears associated with the requests. They seek transparency about the reasons for these sudden changes and the implication for their future status as international students.
Experts like Mehbub Rajwani, an immigration consultant based in Toronto, are watching the situation closely. "This move appears to be part of Canada's broader strategy to control the number of international students," he explained. He emphasized the risk of caps and stricter financial requirements affecting genuine students, stating, "If students don't comply with these requests on time, it could lead to visa cancellations or future complications. We recommend students stay calm and follow the instructions in the emails carefully," he advised.
With the new regulations and the recent suspension of the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) program only adding to students' worries, there’s palpable anxiety within the community about not just compliance but also future admissions. The SDS was created to streamline the process for international students but has now led to concerns over the immigration policies of the Trudeau government, particularly as diplomatic relations with India have shifted.
Acknowledging the challenges, many students remain hopeful for fair treatment and clearer processes from the IRCC. The current communications have left them feeling disillusioned and anxious as they navigate their educational journeys. With the influx of international students reshaping the higher education sector, the reaction to these regulatory changes will likely continue to evolve.