Will studying in Canada become a dream now? Visa service at risk due to India-Canada tension

The political crisis between India and Canada is increasing. India asked 6 Canadian diplomats to return to their country on October 19. Canada also expelled 6 Indian diplomats. Due to this tension between India and Canada, there is a possibility of problems in visa applications.

The deteriorating relations between the two countries may affect the visa process. It is believed that due to this diplomatic crisis the number of visas may decrease. Last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused India of being involved in the murder of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau alleged that agents of the Indian government were involved in Nijjar's murder. India has since expelled more than two-thirds of Canada's diplomats. Not only this, the number of personnel in the Canadian mission also reduced.

Last year, when tensions escalated, India suspended visa services for Canadian citizens for a month. That means India stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens. According to the information, there are citizens of Indian origin living in Canada who come to India to meet their families. In such a situation, this ban had a direct impact on them. However, Indian citizens who held overseas citizenship of India i.e. OCI card or long-term visa were not affected.

India resumes visa service in November 2023. But in that also business and medical visas were given priority. In response, Canada also temporarily suspended visa and personal consular services in Bangalore, Chandigarh and Mumbai.

Apart from this, India and Canada have not yet started direct air connectivity after Covid 19. Canada is still one of the most favorite destinations for Indians. Where thousands of applications come for PR, work permit and student visa. Earlier this year, Canada limited the number of international student visas granted for a two-year period to 3.60 lakh. Which is 35 percent less than 2022.

This step had the biggest impact on India. Because 41 percent of foreign students studying in Canada are Indians. The reduction in the number of visas means that fewer Indian students will now have the opportunity to study in Canadian colleges.