Is Canada Reducing the Number of Visas Issued to Indians?
Canada has tightened its visa policies, reducing immigration targets and limiting visa approvals for Indians, citing domestic challenges and diplomatic tensions. Read full article to know more in detail.
Nigam Sharma9 Dec, 2024
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Is Canada Reducing the Number of Visas Issued to Indians? Canada's recent visa policy changes and a reduction in immigration services have sparked discussions about their impact on Indians seeking work, education, or tourism opportunities in the country. Let’s find out the truth behind the issue, understand the reasons behind these changes, and analyze their implications for the Indian community.
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Revised Visa Policy of Canada
Canada has recently tightened its visa policies, shifting its focus toward managing domestic challenges such as housing shortages, rising costs of living, and infrastructure strain. Key updates to the visa system include:- Elimination of 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas Canadian authorities have moved away from the default practice of issuing 10-year multiple-entry visas. Instead, visa officers now evaluate applicants on a case-by-case basis, issuing single or multiple-entry visas as deemed appropriate.
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Reduced Immigration Targets
The Canadian government has revised its permanent residency targets significantly:
- From 500,000 in 2025 to 395,000.
- Further reductions to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027. Temporary permits for international workers and students are also seeing a reduction, with estimates suggesting a 40% drop for foreign workers and a 10% drop for students by 2026.
- Limited Immigration Staff in India The number of Canadian immigration officials in India has drastically dropped—from 27 in October 2023 to just four. This reduction is slowing visa processing times and increasing rejection rates for Indian applicants.
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Reasons for Visa Restrictions in Canada
Several factors contribute to Canada's stricter visa policies for Indians:1. Alleged Border Misuse
Indian visitors reportedly use the Canada-U.S. border to enter the United States illegally. In June 2024 alone, over 5,000 Indians crossed into the U.S. without proper documentation, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.2. Diplomatic Tensions
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have worsened following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations linking Indian officials to the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. While Canada denies a direct link between these tensions and visa rejections, experts suggest it has influenced decisions.3. Domestic Challenges in Canada
Canada’s government is grappling with a housing crisis and stretched healthcare and infrastructure systems. Limiting the inflow of temporary residents is seen as a measure to address these internal challenges.Also Check:
Effects of Visa Restrictions on the Indian Community in Canada
The recent changes to Canada’s visa policies are expected to have a significant impact on the Indian community, which constitutes a substantial portion of Canada’s immigrant population.1. Students and Professionals
Indians constitute a significant portion of Canada’s foreign student population and workforce. Revised visa rules and reduced immigration targets pose challenges such as:- Expired Study Permits : Over 766,000 study permits are set to expire by December 2025. Without renewals or transitions to permanent residency, many students may have to return to India.
- Workforce Challenges : Professionals may find it harder to extend work permits or secure permanent residency, potentially disrupting their careers and family life in Canada.
2. Declining Visa Approval Rates
Visa success rates for Indians have declined sharply, particularly for tourist visas. Reports indicate approval rates have fallen from 80% to less than 20% for applicants from certain regions like Punjab.3. Strained Family Ties
Reduced visa approvals and shorter visa durations make it harder for families to reunite or travel for special occasions.MEA’s Stance on the Issue
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed concern over the well-being of Indian students and workers in Canada. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s commitment to monitoring their safety and security amidst these changes. India has also protested allegations by Canada’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison, who accused Indian officials of targeting Sikh separatists in Canada. The MEA has called these allegations "absurd and baseless," warning of serious consequences for bilateral relations.What Lies Ahead? Canada’s tightening immigration policies are part of broader efforts to manage its domestic challenges. However, these changes are causing significant disruptions for Indians aspiring to work, study, or settle in Canada.
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Key Considerations for Indian Applicants
When applying for visas to Canada, Indian applicants must navigate a complex landscape of regulations and requirements. Understanding these key considerations can help ensure a smoother application process and improve the chances of success.- Prepare Thorough Applications : Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate to improve chances of visa approval.
- Explore Alternative Destinations : Countries like Australia, the U.K., and Germany may offer better opportunities amidst Canada’s restrictive measures.
- Monitor Policy Updates : Stay informed about changing immigration policies to make timely decisions.
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The reduction in visa approvals and stricter immigration policies underscore Canada’s attempt to balance domestic priorities with its global commitments. For Indians, this shift presents challenges but also opportunities to explore new pathways and destinations for work and education. Diplomatic efforts and constructive dialogue between India and Canada will be crucial in easing tensions and finding solutions for affected individuals.PW IELTS Prep
PW IELTS online coaching provides an organized preparation plan, making learning easier. PW provides both General and Academic Training for IELTS Coaching.Is Canada Reducing the Number of Visas Issued to Indians? FAQs
Q1. Why is Canada reducing visas for Indians?
Ans. Canada is addressing domestic challenges like a housing crisis, rising living costs, and overburdened infrastructure. Diplomatic tensions with India over political issues have also influenced these decisions, though Canada officially denies any direct link.
Q2. What visa policy changes have been made?
Ans. Canada has eliminated its 10-year multiple-entry visa policy and introduced a case-by-case evaluation for single or multiple-entry visas. Immigration targets have also been reduced significantly for permanent residents, workers, and students.
Q3. How are visa approval rates affected?
Ans. Visa approval rates for Indians have dropped sharply, especially for tourist visas, where approval rates have declined from 80% to under 20% in certain regions like Punjab. This makes securing a visa much more difficult.
Q4. What challenges do Indian students face?
Ans. Indian students in Canada face hurdles with expiring study permits and fewer pathways to permanent residency. Without renewals or transitions, many may have to return to India, affecting their career and education plans.
Q5. Are work permits also impacted?
Ans. Yes, obtaining or extending work permits has become harder due to stricter policies and reduced issuance of temporary permits. This affects professionals' ability to stay and work in Canada long-term.
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