The Trudeau government has asked Indian students in Canada to resubmit important documentation, like as

The number of overseas students studying in Canada has increased significantly in recent years, and a sizable percentage of these students are Indian. In comparison to the 337,630 Indian students enrolled in the United States, there are 427,000 Indian students studying in Canada as of 2024.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shocked Indian students in Canada by sending them emails asking them to resubmit important documentation, such as study permits, visas, academic records, attendance, and information about part-time employment. There is uncertainty and worry because many of these students have visas that are good for two more years. According to a Hyderabad postgraduate student who spoke to The Times of India (TOI), they had to submit thorough documentation, including attendance and grades, even though their visa was valid until 2026. Many students, especially those from Punjab, recounted similar situations.

"When I got the email, I was a little taken aback. Avinash Kaushik, a postgraduate student from Hyderabad enrolled at Surrey, British Columbia, told ToI, "I was asked to submit all my documents again, even though my visa is valid until 2026." According to him, officials have requested information on their grades, part-time employment, and evidence of attendance.

The proposal from the IRCC is in line with its stricter guidelines to control the number of foreign students. Stricter financial conditions and possible admissions quotas are among the measures. According to experts, the program seeks to identify legitimate students and stop systemic abuses, like transferring to schools with laxer attendance regulations in order to concentrate on part-time employment.

Some students are being requested to visit IRCC offices for in-person verifications, which has caused significant anxiety. Over 420,000 Indian students are presently enrolled in Canada, more than any other country in the world, making India the greatest source of international students.

Mehbub Rajwani, an immigration consultant, clarified that these actions most likely represent Canada's approach to managing the country's soaring number of overseas students. In order to prevent possible visa cancellations, he advised students to quickly complete the necessary paperwork.

In order to address their concerns, impacted students have urged the IRCC to communicate more clearly.

An increase of foreign students in Canada
The number of overseas students studying in Canada has increased significantly in recent years, and a sizable percentage of these students are Indian. In comparison to the 337,630 Indian students enrolled in the United States, there are 427,000 Indian students studying in Canada as of 2024.

In light of recent events, students are calling on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address mounting concerns and communicate its policies more clearly. Manisha Patel, a British Columbian student studying business management, stated, "We chose Canada because of its welcoming environment, but this feels unfair."

The popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which provided international students with a streamlined study permit application process, was recently banned by Canada, which further increased uncertainties.

The SDS initiative, which was introduced by the IRCC in 2018, made it easier for students from 14 nations, including India, to apply for visas. The program, which required certain requirements such getting a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD 20,635 and meeting English or French language competence levels, helped nearly 300,000 students until it was suspended.