Why Is Canada Reducing the Number of Tourist Visas Issued to Indians? Announced

Last Update:21 November 2024 15:08 IST

Allegations of misuse of the US-Canada border, India-Canada diplomatic spat, presence of a handful of immigration officials in India to issue visas are some of the reasons behind Canada tightening visa norms.

Canada has reduced the number of tourist visas issued to Indians, especially those applying from Punjab, and the success rate has dropped from 80% to less than 20%. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Canada changed its visa policy, ending 10-year multiple-entry visas and allowing shorter visas based on individual assessment rather than complying with extended periods by default.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the change in policy is part of a broader strategy aimed at managing temporary immigration levels, addressing housing shortages and controlling the rising cost of living.

Another trend noticed is that Canada has reduced the number of tourist visas issued to Indians, especially those applying from Punjab, and the success rate has dropped from 80% to less than 20%.

Why is there a decline in visa approvals?

Despite the tension in relations between India and Canada, the first half of 2024 saw an increase in the number of tourist visas issued by Canada to Indians. IRCC issued 365,750 visitor visas to Indians between January and July; This is more than the 345,631 given in the same period in 2023.

However, this trend was reversed in July-August; well-paid professionals, government officials, and families with significant incomes faced rejections for financial reasons.

India is also a major source for temporary foreign workers and international students coming to Canada.

Experts say selection criteria for issuing visas to Indians have become unpredictable.

Canada has only four immigration officers left in India; In October 2023, this number was 27. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said this impacts Canada’s ability to process visas on-site.

There are other factors that may contribute to the decline in visa issuances.

Abuse of Limit: There has been an increase in cases of Indian visitors using the border to enter the US illegally. Due to the US government’s stricter visa rules and long wait times, applicants find it easier to obtain a visa from Canada to enter the US illegally across the common open border. According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in June 2024 alone, more than 5,000 Indians walked from Canada to the US without proper documentation.

Delays and Backlogs: The large number of applications could also cause delays in visa procedures. Visa authorities may have imposed more restrictions, leading to higher rejection rates.

Domestic Concerns: Canada is tightening its immigration policy as it grapples with domestic economic concerns. The country’s desire to limit the number of temporary residents has led authorities to strictly scrutinize each applicant.

India-Canada Row: The difficult period between both countries began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in his Parliament in October last year that Indian government officials were linked to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Surrey in June 2023. He was officially there. No connection has been found between the visa issuance and the Nijjar case, but experts believe these tensions may be pushing Canada to take all the precautions it can regarding visa issuance.

What are Canada’s New Visa Guidelines?

Under the new rule, multiple-entry visas with maximum validity will no longer be the norm. Visa officers will evaluate each applicant individually and decide whether to grant a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

“The guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple entry visas with maximum validity are no longer accepted as standard documents. IRCC stated that officers can use their discretion when deciding whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa and determining the validity period.

The fee for a single-entry and multiple-entry Canadian visa is 100 Canadian dollars per person. There is no difference in cost between the two visas.

The government has also revised its plan for immigration levels, reducing the target from 500,000 new permanent residents to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.

What is MEA’s Response?

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is monitoring the welfare of its students and professionals working in Canada. The MEA said it was “concerned for their safety and security”.

Relations hit new lows when Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison claimed that Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah had ordered a campaign of violence, intimidation and intelligence gathering targeting Sikh separatists in Canada, according to a report by the Associated Press.

The Indian government described the references made by the Canadian minister as “absurd and baseless”.