HYDERABAD: Indian students studying in Canada have reported receiving emails asking them to resubmit crucial documents such as study permits, visas and educational records, including marks and attendance.
The request from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a government department that deals with foreign students, caused widespread panic among international students, many of whom hold visas with up to two years’ validity.
The development comes as IRCC tightens its policies to regulate the influx of international students, introducing stricter financial requirements and exploring potential caps on student admissions. “I was a bit shocked when I received the email. My visa is valid until 2026, yet I was asked 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, marks, where we are working part-time, etc.,” he added.
Last week, a similar surge in such emails was reported among students from Punjab. Some were even 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 experienced a significant surge in international student enrolment, with Indian students making up a substantial part of this group. According to the ministry of external affairs, Canada hosts the largest number of Indian students, with 4.2 lakh enrolled, followed by the US with 3.3 lakh Indian students.
The sudden cascade of emails left students feeling uncertain about their future. “We chose Canada for its welcoming environment, but this feels unfair,” said Manisha Patel, a business management student from Adilabad now in British Columbia.
Many students are urging IRCC to provide clearer communication and address their concerns. In the meantime, experts have advised students to act promptly on document submissions to avoid potential issues. “This move appears to be part of Canada’s broader strategy to control the number of international students,” said Mehbub Rajwani, an immigration consultant in Toronto. “Caps and financial requirements being introduced are a clear signal. This move could also be to filter out genuine students as many change their designated learning institution and shift to one where there is no restriction on attendance so they can work in Canada,” he added.
“If students don’t comply with these requests on time, it could lead to visa cancellations or future complications. We recommend students to follow the instructions in the emails carefully,” he said.