Panic has spread among Indian students who are pursuing their higher education in Canada since the authorities there have asked them to resubmit crucial documents.
Many students have received an email from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) asking them to submit study permits, visas and educational records, including marks and attendance.
According to a report by Times of India, this email caused a frenzy among students, many of whom have visas with up to two years' validity.
This move comes after the IRCC ended its fast-track study visa programme called SDS in order to regulate the influx of international students. The country has also made the requirements for applying for financial aid a bit stricter.
Similar events occurred last week, when children hailing from Punjab received such emails and were even asked to visit the IRCC office to confirm their credentials.
This confirmation and re-checking of information has planted doubts in the minds of students and caused panic among them.
According to the Indian High Commission here, India is the largest source country of foreign students for Canada, with an estimated 4,27,000 Indian students studying in the country.
Manisha Patel, a business management student, said, "We chose Canada for its welcoming environment, but this feels unfair."
The students have asked IRCC to provide more clarity on the issue and quell their fears regarding their status in the country. However, until then they have been advised to act in accordance with instructions in order to avoid any further mishaps.
On October 24, Immigration Minister Marc Miller outlined the latest immigration strategy, saying that Canada will admit approximately 3,95,000 permanent residents in 2025, marking a drop of nearly 20 per cent from the 4,85,000 expected this year.
