Introduction
Amidst a recent diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, visa processing continues for Indian nationals. The disagreement arose from the assassination of a prominent Canadian-Sikh leader in British Columbia, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing elements within the Indian government of involvement. Despite this tension, Canada remains committed to processing visa applications for Indian nationals, ensuring their access to the benefits of living and studying in one of the safest countries globally.
Background on the Diplomatic Dispute
Tensions rose between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the killing of an influential Canadian-Sikh figure in British Columbia. Citing credible intelligence reports, Trudeau accused agents of the Indian government of involvement in the assassination. In contrast, Modi denied any such involvement by his government’s agents. Subsequently, BLS visa processing centres in Canada suspended their services for operational reasons on September 21, impacting centres in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver.
Canadian Stand on Processing Visas
At an event in New York earlier this week, when asked if Canada would reciprocate by suspending visa services for Indian nationals, Trudeau emphasized his commitment to maintaining the rule of law. He stated that his primary focus was ensuring Canadians’ safety and security while continuing regular visa processing services for Indian nationals. Despite the current tensions between both countries, there has been no indication that Canada will cease processing visas for Indian nationals, and new applications continue to be accepted.
The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is dedicated to abiding by its service standards, aiming to process at least 80% of applications within these parameters regardless of nationality.
Canada’s Reputation as a Safe Country
Following BLS’s suspension of services in Canada, India issued a travel advisory warning its citizens about potential safety concerns when travelling to Canada. However, Immigration Minister Marc Miller reassured worried Indian citizens by reminding them that Canada consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries, coming 11th as per the latest Global Peace Index.
International students are enticed to study in Canada due to its reputation for safety and tolerance. The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) reported that around 40% of international students in Canada were Indian nationals during the 2022 academic year. This percentage proves the attractiveness of Canadian education even amidst previous warnings issued by India’s government.
Indians in Canada
India remains the largest source country for immigration in Canada, with 118,095 Indians gaining permanent residency in 2022 alone. Furthermore, out of these permanent residents, 59,503 Indian nationals transitioned to Canadian citizenship. The Canadian government has set ambitious immigration targets as part of its 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan and intends to admit over 500,000 permanent residents annually by the end of 2025. While the next Plan is expected by November this year, Minister Miller anticipates no reduction in these targets.
FAQ
1: Will Canada stop processing visas for Indian nationals due to the recent diplomatic dispute?
Ans: No, there has been no indication that Canada will stop processing visas for Indian nationals. They are still accepting new applications as they normally do.
2: Are Indian nationals in danger while travelling to or staying in Canada?
Ans: Canada is known as a safe country and ranks high on the Global Peace Index. Both Immigration Minister Marc Miller and the Canadian Bureau for International Education have reassured that Canada maintains its reputation for safety and tolerance.
3: How many Indian students are currently studying in Canada?
Ans: In 2022, approximately 320,000 Indian students were studying in Canada, making up 40% of international students in the country.
4: Is India the largest source of immigration to Canada?
Ans: Yes, India is the largest source country for immigration in Canada. In 2022, 118,095 Indians gained permanent residence in the country.
5: Will the diplomatic dispute between Canada and India affect Canada’s future immigration targets?
Ans: As of now, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that he does not anticipate lowered targets for the upcoming 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to admit more than 500,000 permanent residents per year by the end of 2025.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the recent tensions between Canada and India, Canada remains committed to keeping up visa services for Indians and ensuring the security of Indians living inside its borders. International students and permanent residents from India can rest assured that their education and immigration in Canada will not be influenced. As Canada proceeds to preserve its reputation as a secure and inviting country for immigrants, it is critical that both countries engage in open discourse and work to resolve their social contrasts, eventually preventing long-term connections.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, exclusively written and published by IntraSource. The information sourced from various trusted platforms, mainly Government of Canada and “Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)” websites, and should not be considered as legal or professional advice. IRCC’s requirements may change, so consult lawyer/s and receive a professional advice before making decisions or applications.
