Indian students studying in Canada are being asked to resubmit essential documents, including study permits, visas, and educational records, causing widespread panic, as reported by the media. This unexpected request of essential documents from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has left many students distressed, even those holding valid visas until 2026.
The IRCC’s move is part of its ongoing effort to tighten regulations on the inflow of international students. Recently, the department introduced stricter financial requirements and hinted at potential caps on student intake.
“I was 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 studying in Surrey, British Columbia. According to him, authorities are demanding proof of attendance, grades, and details about part-time employment.
Similar concerns were raised last week when students, particularly from Punjab, received similar requests. Some were even asked to personally visit IRCC offices to verify their credentials, adding to the confusion and anxiety among the student community.
Canada has seen a significant rise in international student enrolments, with Indians forming a large portion. In 2024, approximately 4,27,000 Indian students are studying in Canada, a figure surpassing the 3,37,630 students in the United States.
Manisha Patel, a business management student in British Columbia, expressed her concerns, saying, “We chose Canada for its welcoming environment, but this feels unfair.” Students are urging IRCC to offer clearer communication and address their worries effectively.
Immigration consultant Mehbub Rajwani from Toronto believes the IRCC’s recent measures are part of a broader strategy by the Canadian government to regulate student intake. He noted that stricter financial requirements and the potential introduction of caps indicate a clear shift.
“This move could be to filter out genuine students, as many change institutions with minimal attendance requirements, allowing them to focus on working in Canada,” Rajwani explained. He further warned that non-compliance with the IRCC’s instructions could lead to visa cancellations, advising students to carefully follow guidelines provided in the emails.
The developments come shortly after Canada suspended its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme, which had expedited study permits for students from 14 countries, including India, since its launch in 2018. By 2022, over 3 lakh students had benefitted from the SDS initiative, which required a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635 and language test scores.
The suspension of SDS and the resubmission requests follow rising tensions in Canada-India diplomatic relations, coinciding with the Trudeau government’s evolving policies toward international students.
With increasing uncertainty, students are calling for transparency from the IRCC to ensure their academic and immigration futures are not jeopardized.
