A recent diplomatic conflict between Canada and India has strained the two countries’ ties. ( visas for Indian nationals. )
The death of a prominent Canadian-Sikh leader in British Columbia sparked a rift between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trudeau claims there is credible evidence that Indian government agents were engaged in the assassination. Modi denies this.
As a result, BLS, India’s visa processing facilities in Canada, ceased operations on Thursday, September 21, claiming operational concerns. This covers Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver centres.
When asked directly earlier this week in New York if Canada would reciprocate, Trudeau stated that his priority was to maintain the rule of law in Canada. He stated that Canada would continue to do what was necessary to keep Canadians secure.
There has been no sign that Canada will cease processing visas for Indian nationals, and new applications are still being accepted as usual.
Visa processing times for Indian nationals wishing to visit Canada remain unchanged. Regardless of nationality, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) intends to process 80% of applications within service standards.
Canada is a secure country.
Aside from suspending its visa processing sites in Canada, India has issued a travel advise for Indians visiting Canada, citing safety concerns.
“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.”
Canada has routinely ranked among the world’s safest countries. According to the most recent Global Peace Index, Canada is ranked 11th for 2023.
Furthermore, according to a 2022 research by the Canadian Bureau for overseas Education (CBIE), overseas students continually pick Canada for their education because to its distinct reputation for safety and tolerance.
According to the CBIE, 40% of international students in Canada will be Indian by 2022. This is despite the Indian government issuing a similar warning in September 2022.
According to IRCC, there will be 800,000 international students in Canada by 2022. This translates to around 320,000 Indian students studying in Canada during the previous academic year.
Indians in Canada
India is Canada’s most important immigration source country. There will be 118,095 Indians with permanent residency in Canada by 2022. 59,503 Indians became Canadian citizens after becoming permanent residents.
The Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025 sets ambitious immigration targets for Canada. By the end of 2025, it intends to admit more than 500,000 permanent residents every year. The new Plan is planned by November 1 of this year, but Minister Miller has stated that he does not expect the targets to be reduced.
