Indian students in Canada are raising concerns after receiving emails from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requesting the resubmission of key documents such as study permits, visas, educational records, and attendance details, according to a Times of India report.
This unexpected move has unsettled students, especially those with valid visas extending years into the future.
“I was shocked to receive the email, considering my visa is valid until 2026,” said Avinash Kaushik, a postgraduate student from Hyderabad currently studying in Surrey, British Columbia. “They’re asking for everything—marks, proof of attendance, and even details of our part-time jobs.”
The requests, part of IRCC’s effort to strengthen oversight of international students, also include stricter financial requirements and could potentially lead to caps on student admissions. Some students, particularly from Punjab, report being instructed to attend in-person verifications at IRCC offices, further escalating anxiety.
“The lack of clarity is causing widespread panic among students,” said Avinash Dasari, an undergraduate in Ontario.
Canada is a preferred destination for Indian students, hosting around 4.2 lakh individuals, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. This places Canada ahead of the United States as the top destination for Indian students.
However, the sudden demand for document resubmissions has left students questioning Canada’s welcoming reputation. “This feels unfair and undermines the trust we had when choosing Canada for our education,” said Manisha Patel, a business management student from Adilabad now studying in British Columbia.
Immigration experts see these actions as part of Canada’s broader strategy to regulate the influx of international students. “This initiative seems aimed at identifying genuine students,” said Mehbub Rajwani, a Toronto-based immigration consultant. “There’s a perception that some students switch to institutions with fewer restrictions to prioritize work, which may have prompted this crackdown.”
Rajwani urged students to comply promptly with IRCC’s requests, warning of serious consequences for non-compliance, including visa cancellations. “It’s crucial for students to act quickly and follow the instructions carefully to avoid jeopardizing their status in Canada,” he said.
Meanwhile, students are calling on IRCC to offer clearer communication about the purpose of these measures and address the growing sense of uncertainty.
Canada’s evolving immigration policies highlight a focus on compliance and transparency, but they also introduce challenges for thousands of Indian students navigating the system. For now, adherence to these new requirements remains critical for preserving their educational and professional aspirations.