India Visa For Canada Citizens: From weddings to conferences, trips from Canada under cloud as tension escalates | India News

Since Thursday morning, immigration consultant Cyrus Sethna’s phone has been buzzing non-stop with anxious queries. A couple that has planned a big December wedding in Mumbai is now wondering whether their 30-40 relatives living in Canada will be able to make it. On the other side, a delegation of Canadian doctors who were due to participate in a conference in India are trying to figure out whether they should cancel.
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“It’s not the best news that India has pulled the plug on visas,” says Sethna.”The Canada visa process was already a nightmare, with long waits and rejection often on baseless grounds. We don’t know what will come next.”
The escalating diplomatic tussle between the two countries has left many floundering and unsure of what steps to take next. Students applying to Canadian universities, prospective immigrants aspiring for residency, those who have family in either country, are wondering what’s in store.
The number of Indians travelling to Canada has been rising steadily, with students forming a sizable proportion. In 2022, Indians comprised 40% of total international students studying in Canada, with post-grad studies even more popular. The total number of Indian students in Canada on study visas has crossed 3 lakh.

“Canada has always been viewed as a safe, friendly country for college and for settling down thereafter,” says education consultant Viral Doshi. “In the last 24 hours, I have received at least five calls from parents saying they’d like to look at other options, in case the diplomatic tussle aggravates further.”
KP Singh, head of a Mumbai consultancy service, adds that parents who were looking at a January admission are planning to wait until there is more clarity.

Indian students, who are already studying in Canadian universities are beginning to sense that something is off. Akash Mistry, who just completed a month in Ontario, said things are fine on the ground. “Some students are anxious, but we are all trying to stay away from rumours. Nobody will want to return in a hurry after investing time and money here,” says Mistry.
Canada is viewed as a great option for Indians not just for its educational institutions, but also the prospect of getting residency there. The Express Entry point-based system enables families to move there and avail of multiple benefits, from medical insurance to free education. Besides the Sikh community there are large numbers of Parsis across Canada.
(With inputs from Yogita Rao)

Watch India suspends visa services in Canada with immediate effect