India-Canada row hits admissions; students, study-abroad consultants fret

NEW DELHI: If the shrinking opportunities for study and work weren’t bad enough, the latest round of friction between India and Canada has added to the anxiety of Indian students in Canada.

"As an Indian student, the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada are deeply concerning," said Anurag Reji, studying Business Administration - Management at NAIT College in Edmonton.

But the diplomatic row over the killing of Canadian Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, last year is only the latest problem.

"We're not just worried about our immediate future, but also about what might happen in the long term," said Reji. "Things like extending visas, getting post-graduation work permits, or securing jobs after our studies now seem unclear. We even fear that the Indian community might be viewed differently because of these tensions."

Over the past year, Canada has taken host of decisions calculated to reduce the number of international students and immigrants – it has capped the number of study visas and plans to cut more, it has restricted the number of work hours, and set new rules for the postgraduate work permit, excluding college graduates from a wide array of disciplines – including business management – from the programme.

As tensions rise, there are questions about visa processing, continuity in studies, and job opportunities.

Canada student visa application and delays

The diplomatic conflict between the two countries has affected student visa applications. Canada has been a popular choice for Indian students but after two years of growth, there was a dip in Canada study permit applications last year. Data from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is shown below.

Canada student visa applications from India

In 2021 and 2022, the rise in visa applications reflected Canada’s growing appeal as a study destination, especially after covid. However, 2023 saw a dip in approval rates due to processing delays, and tighter immigration regulations.

Study in Canada: Navigating uncertainty

The current situation is presenting significant challenges not just for students but also for the study abroad consultants who guide them.

Amit Sharma, a study abroad education consultant based in Delhi, said, "We are seeing increased delays in visa approvals. Students who already have admission offers are now stuck in limbo, waiting for approvals that are taking much longer than usual. The political situation has added an element of uncertainty that we haven't seen in years."

Sharma also said that many students are now looking at alternatives to Canada. With processing delays and policy uncertainties looming, students are increasingly exploring countries like the UK, Australia, and Germany. But the United Kingdom and Australia have both revised their visa policies to reduce numbers of international students and control immigration.

In January, the UK introduced limits on dependent visas, which has affected students planning to bring their families with them for longer courses. Australia has capped foreign student enrolment and tightened its financial scrutiny for visa applicants from India, with particular focus on students from Punjab and Haryana. This has led to an increase in visa rejection rates.

"Our role as consultants has become more complicated," he explains. "Students are understandably anxious, and we need to quickly pivot, offering them different options and helping them navigate each country’s changing visa rules."

Meenakshi Rao, a study abroad consultant in Bengaluru, agreed. The diplomatic conflict is directly affecting their business operations.

"We operate on very tight schedules, particularly during peak application seasons for the fall and winter intakes. Delays in visa processing are not only creating stress for the students but also causing financial strain for us as consultants," she said.

Rao added that for consultants, delays or visa rejections can lead to deferred admissions or refund requests, which result in losses. Moreover, they now have to spend more time on each case, often needing to redo applications or suggest alternative destinations for students caught in the uncertainty.

"The situation is frustrating, not just for the students but also for us," Rao said adding, "Our operations have become more complex, and we are feeling the financial impact of these political tensions."

Study Abroad: New destinations

Given the growing uncertainties, students are increasingly exploring alternatives, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

Sharma explained: "We are advising students to diversify their applications this year. Relying solely on one country is no longer practical, especially with the ongoing diplomatic tensions and policy changes. We have seen a notable rise in interest for European and Asian universities, which offer high-quality education and clearer visa processes."

For Reji, it’s too late for plan-B. He hopes that the two countries will sort out their differences so that education and business ties between them can return to normal. "I believe both India and Canada have a lot to gain by repairing their relationship," he said, adding, "We’re all hoping that the leadership in both countries will prioritise diplomacy and peace so that this becomes just a temporary rift, not a permanent division."