HYDERABAD: Indian students studying in Canada are in a state of panic after receiving emails from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) asking them to resubmit critical documents, including study permits, visas, educational records, and proof of marks and attendance.
This unexpected request from the Canadian government’s immigration department has triggered widespread concern among international students, many of whom hold visas with up to two years of validity. The move comes as IRCC tightens its policies on international students, introducing stricter financial requirements and considering potential caps on student admissions.
“I was shocked when I received the email. My visa is valid until 2026, but they asked me to submit all my documents again,” said Avinash Kaushik, a postgraduate student from Hyderabad studying in Surrey, British Columbia. “They even want proof of attendance, my marks, and details about where we are working part-time,” he added.
Last week, similar incidents were reported among students from Punjab, some of whom were asked to visit IRCC offices in person to verify their credentials. “Many students are confused and worried,” said Avinash Dasari, a student from Hyderabad studying in Ontario.
In recent years, Canada has seen a significant surge in international student enrolment, with Indian students comprising a large portion of this increase. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Canada is now home to the largest number of Indian students, with over 420,000 enrolled, followed by the U.S. with 330,000.
The sudden influx of such emails has left students uncertain about their futures. “We chose Canada for its welcoming environment, but this feels unfair,” said Manisha Patel, a business management student from Adilabad, now studying in British Columbia.
Many students are calling for clearer communication from IRCC and seeking reassurances regarding their status. Meanwhile, immigration experts are advising students to comply with document requests promptly to avoid potential complications.
“This move seems to be part of Canada’s broader strategy to manage the growing number of international students,” said Mehbub Rajwani, an immigration consultant in Toronto. “The introduction of caps and stricter financial requirements indicates a more selective approach. It could also be an effort to filter out students who might be shifting schools to bypass attendance restrictions or to gain easier access to part-time work,” he added.
“If students do not comply with these requests on time, they could face visa cancellations or future complications,” Rajwani warned. “We strongly recommend students follow the instructions in the emails carefully.”
