Canada : In a recent twist in the ongoing diplomatic tension between India and Canada, India has announced the suspension of its visa services in Canada “until further notice.” This development has left Indian students scheduled to fly to Canada on student visas in a state of concern, unsure about their prospects of entry into the North American nation.
As of now, it’s essential to clarify that Canada has not made a reciprocal announcement regarding the suspension of visa services. Consequently, student visas for Indian students will continue to be issued according to existing rules and regulations, with no reported delays in the process thus far.
This situation also means that Indian students who are already in Canada or have obtained study visas for Canada will not be affected by the recent escalation in the diplomatic row.
Stability in Canada
For Indian students currently residing in Canada, the situation remains relatively stable. Many students have reported that they have not encountered any difficulties in the country, even amidst worsening diplomatic relations.
Canada & MYSO
Khushpal Grewal, a member of the Montreal Youth Students Organisation (MYSO) based in Canada, stated, “There are lakhs of Indian students who are pursuing their education here, and the locals cooperate nicely with us.
They understand that we left our homes to come and study here, and they make us feel at home. While there is some tension and murmurs about what will happen if the situation worsens between the two governments, we are all still following our daily routine.”
Karan, a Computer Engineering student, echoed this sentiment, mentioning that there have been no significant changes in his surroundings. He added, “While I’ve heard about the possibility of riots taking place in big cities like Toronto, there hasn’t been any change here in Waterloo as of yet.”
Study abroad experts also emphasize that Indian students in Canada need not be overly concerned about the situation, as those who are either in the country already or planning to travel in the near future possess valid visas.
Keeping a Watchful Eye
Experts advise students to closely monitor the evolving situation over the next few weeks and consider their university admissions accordingly. Traditionally been a safe destination for international students, and the majority of Indian students studying there should continue their academic pursuits without undue worry.
However, some study abroad experts caution prospective students about potential delays in visa processing times. Recent communications from Canadian universities suggest that there may be delays, prompting recommendations to opt for the fall intake in September/October 2024 instead of the summer intake, which typically begins in May.
Exploring Alternatives
Given the ongoing job and housing challenges, along with the diplomatic tensions, some students are contemplating alternative countries for higher education. The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand are among the nations that have been attracting students for years.
Government data reveals that in 2022, over 1 lakh Indian students were in Australia, over 4.5 lakh in the US, nearly 1.64 lakh in the UAE, and over 55,000 in the UK. Ireland and New Zealand are also emerging as preferred destinations for students.
Also Read : Canadian Companies : A $3.31 Billion Bet on India