iStockThe recent downturn in diplomatic relations between India and Canada has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the aspirations of Indian students who consider Canada their second most sought-after country for higher education.
Reports suggest that visa delays for Indian students may disrupt the upcoming spring academic session scheduled to begin in January. Representatives of Canadian universities participating in an education fair in Hyderabad have recommended that students interested in Canadian colleges consider planning for the subsequent fall/autumn session in August 2024. With only a few months remaining before the spring session, visa processing times could pose significant challenges.
Despite the apprehensions, some experts believe that the current diplomatic exchanges are likely a temporary phase that will pass. Students and parents, while wary, share mixed views on the situation. Some parents believe that the situation is not as grim as portrayed, and studies continue without evidence of disruption in day-to-day life.
“The situation is not as grim as it is made out to be. Besides, the ‘development’ is far too recent, hence, there is no reason for us to speculate - at least for the time being; studies are continuing as before, and there is no evidence of any disruption in day-to-day life,” a parent from Ludhiana, told TOI, on condition of anonymity whose son is pursuing a Computer Science undergraduate programme at a Canadian university.
“But the situation has snowballed, and as an immediate precautionary measure, we are stopping all new applications to Canada until there is more clarity on the issue. We are asking our students to redirect plans towards the US or UK if possible, so, we do expect this (stand-off) to affect the number of Indian students heading to Canada this year. There may not be a major impact policy-wise for Indian students, but there could be a possible drop in demand for Canada as a destination country. A lot of destination markets were waiting for Canada to slip up, and now the tides could move in their favour,” Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of Leverage Edu, said.
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“We have been in constant conversation with all our Canadian university partners, and they remain confident that this diplomatic rift will have no impact on the processing of applications or their ability to issue students a permit to enter Canada on a student visa,” he added.
Canadian university partners have expressed confidence that the diplomatic tensions will not impact the processing of applications or the issuance of student permits. However, the ultimate direction of Indian students to Canada hinges on the Canadian government's reaction to India's suspension of the Canadian visa process.
Historically, India has remained a key source of immigration to Canada, with a significant number of Indians being granted 'Permanent Resident (PR)' status. However, as diplomatic relations sour, experts and students alike are pondering the potential impact on future educational pursuits and careers.
India's importance in the Canadian immigration landscape cannot be overstated. Last year alone, more than 1,18,000 Indians were granted 'Permanent Resident (PR)' status in Canada, constituting a substantial 27% of the total PRs issued. This underscores Canada's appeal as a destination for Indian immigrants.
Indian students have not only enriched Canada's educational institutions but have also significantly contributed to its economy. In 2021, Indian students injected a substantial $4.9 billion into the Canadian economy. They represented the largest international student group in Canada, making up 20% of all international students. Additionally, more than 15,000 Indian tech professionals relocated to Canada last year, further solidifying its status as a promising destination for employment and career growth.
“The present diplomatic exchange will not have much impact on student mobilisation from India. We personally feel this is a temporary phase which shall pass soon. Indian students contribute to around 25-30% of Canada's annual budget and the Indian working population too contributes substantially,” Raghwa Gopal, CEO, M Square Media (MSM), a Canada-based global education company, told TOI, allaying fears of a possible repercussion.
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Reports suggest that visa delays for Indian students may disrupt the upcoming spring academic session scheduled to begin in January. Representatives of Canadian universities participating in an education fair in Hyderabad have recommended that students interested in Canadian colleges consider planning for the subsequent fall/autumn session in August 2024. With only a few months remaining before the spring session, visa processing times could pose significant challenges.
Despite the apprehensions, some experts believe that the current diplomatic exchanges are likely a temporary phase that will pass. Students and parents, while wary, share mixed views on the situation. Some parents believe that the situation is not as grim as portrayed, and studies continue without evidence of disruption in day-to-day life.
“The situation is not as grim as it is made out to be. Besides, the ‘development’ is far too recent, hence, there is no reason for us to speculate - at least for the time being; studies are continuing as before, and there is no evidence of any disruption in day-to-day life,” a parent from Ludhiana, told TOI, on condition of anonymity whose son is pursuing a Computer Science undergraduate programme at a Canadian university.
“But the situation has snowballed, and as an immediate precautionary measure, we are stopping all new applications to Canada until there is more clarity on the issue. We are asking our students to redirect plans towards the US or UK if possible, so, we do expect this (stand-off) to affect the number of Indian students heading to Canada this year. There may not be a major impact policy-wise for Indian students, but there could be a possible drop in demand for Canada as a destination country. A lot of destination markets were waiting for Canada to slip up, and now the tides could move in their favour,” Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of Leverage Edu, said.
We're on WhatsApp! Join the ET NRI Channel here
“We have been in constant conversation with all our Canadian university partners, and they remain confident that this diplomatic rift will have no impact on the processing of applications or their ability to issue students a permit to enter Canada on a student visa,” he added.
Canadian university partners have expressed confidence that the diplomatic tensions will not impact the processing of applications or the issuance of student permits. However, the ultimate direction of Indian students to Canada hinges on the Canadian government's reaction to India's suspension of the Canadian visa process.
Historically, India has remained a key source of immigration to Canada, with a significant number of Indians being granted 'Permanent Resident (PR)' status. However, as diplomatic relations sour, experts and students alike are pondering the potential impact on future educational pursuits and careers.
India's importance in the Canadian immigration landscape cannot be overstated. Last year alone, more than 1,18,000 Indians were granted 'Permanent Resident (PR)' status in Canada, constituting a substantial 27% of the total PRs issued. This underscores Canada's appeal as a destination for Indian immigrants.
Indian students have not only enriched Canada's educational institutions but have also significantly contributed to its economy. In 2021, Indian students injected a substantial $4.9 billion into the Canadian economy. They represented the largest international student group in Canada, making up 20% of all international students. Additionally, more than 15,000 Indian tech professionals relocated to Canada last year, further solidifying its status as a promising destination for employment and career growth.
“The present diplomatic exchange will not have much impact on student mobilisation from India. We personally feel this is a temporary phase which shall pass soon. Indian students contribute to around 25-30% of Canada's annual budget and the Indian working population too contributes substantially,” Raghwa Gopal, CEO, M Square Media (MSM), a Canada-based global education company, told TOI, allaying fears of a possible repercussion.
We're on WhatsApp! Join the ET NRI Channel here
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