Indo-Canada Dispute: Will Canada Stop Processing Visas For Indians?

Surya Rathee
[Published 13 Oct, 2023 | 04:56 AM]
About Author - 4 min read
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The recent diplomatic crisis between India and Canada has placed a strain on the strong relationship between the two countries.

What when down?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came to a disagreement surrounding the recent crisis in British Columbia. Tensions escalated on Thursday, September 21, when India's visa processing centers in Canada, suspended services citing operational reasons. This included centers in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver.

India and Canada have found themselves at diplomatic loggerheads.

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Is Canada still processing visas for Indian nationals?

There has been no indication that the Canadian government will stop processing visas for Indian nationals - and is still accepting new applications as it normally does.

Processing times for applicants looking to immigrate to Canada from India remain the same as always. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process all 80% of applications within standard processing times - regardless of nationality.

Is it safe to move to Canada now?

Speaking with the Canadian Press, Immigration Minister Marc Miller urged Indians who are concerned about safety to remain calm. He quoted, "I think everyone knows Canada is a safe country and given the events of the last two or three days and the seriousness of the allegations that - it's important for everyone to stay calm.”

Indians in Canada

Indians have been for a long time, the largest source country for immigration to Canada. In 2022, there were 118,095 Indians who gained permanent residency in Canada. Out of these, 59,503 transitioned from permanent residents to Canadian citizens.

Furthermore, IRCC reports that there were 800,000 international students in Canada in 2022. This means approximately 320,000 Indian students were studying in Canada during the last academic year.

The new & improved Canada Immigration Level Plan for 2023-2025 will act as a guide for the number of immigrants - to be welcomed over the coming three years. According to the targets announced on November 1, 2022, Canada will aim to invite -

• 465,000 new immigrants in 2023.
• 485,000 new immigrants in 2024.
• 500,000 new immigrants in 2025.

Indians will be the biggest beneficiaries of the ambitious immigration targets set by Canada for 2023 - 2025. With the ongoing dispute, taking harsh measures against Indian immigrants living in Canada, and trying to curb immigration from India can backfire on the Canadian government.

Canada still issuing back-to-back ITAs

Over the past 10 months, the Canada Immigration draws achieved significant milestones. These draws have offered tremendous opportunities for international students, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs seeking to immigrate to Canada - and contribute to its diverse and thriving economy.

The Canadian immigration system witnessed a remarkable increase in invitations being extended to eligible candidates. So far in 2023, IRCC has issued -

• 89,773 ITAs under the Express Entry System, and
• 83,645 ITAs under the Provincial Nominee Programs.

With the commitment to welcoming immigrants and addressing labor market gaps, the back-to-back draws conducted by IRCC in 2023 have once again proved to be great news for immigrants from around the world wanting to study, work, invest, and apply for Canada PR.

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