Govt urges Canadian authorities to expedite process as Indian students face visa delays
Ottawa (Canada), August 25: As Indian students enrolled in Canadian universities face delays in the processing of their visas and student permits, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa has urged the Canadian authorities to look into the issues owing to which college students are unable to join the academic courses.
The high commission stated in an advisory that Indian officials in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver continue to engage with Canadian interlocutors, including academic institutions and universities, about problems encountered by Indian students.
"Highlighting these issues and the fact that Indian students have already deposited tuition fees with the Canadian institutions we requested the Canadian authorities to expedite processing of visa applications for students from India," the advisory stated.
It was stated that Canada has emerged as a preferred post-secondary education destination for Indian students. However, the high commission said, "The processing of visas is a sovereign power of the government of Canada."
Currently, over 230,000 Indian students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Canada contribute to the Canadian economy, including an estimated USD 4 billion in tuition fees.
The strategic alliance between India and Canada is founded on a shared commitment to democratic values, pluralism, and the rule of law.
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The bilateral agenda is built on increased economic engagement, regular dialogue, and long-standing people-to-people ties. Although ministerial or official visits were not exchanged because of the Covid-19 outbreak, virtual interactions allowed bilateral engagement to continue.
From April 1, 2021, to August 31, 2021, bilateral trade was valued at USD 2.968 billion. During this time period, India's exports to Canada totalled USD 1.982 billion, while imports from Canada totalled USD 0.985 billion. During this time, portfolio investments from Canada into India expanded.
Both countries are still negotiating the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA).
The exchange of information and talent between the two countries is robust, with India poised to become the leading source of foreign students, with 230,000 Indian students studying in Canada.
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-PTC News
