The surge in the issuance of study visas to Indian students by the UK and the US stands in stark contrast to the situation in Canada
In recent years, the landscape of international education for Indian students has undergone significant shifts, with the United Kingdom and the United States emerging as preferred destinations over Canada. The surge in the issuance of study visas to Indian students by the UK and the US stands in stark contrast to the situation in Canada, according to reports from University World News.
The United Kingdom has witnessed a remarkable increase in sponsored study visas for Indian students. In the year ending June 2023, a staggering 142,848 sponsored study visas were granted to Indians, reflecting a substantial 54% jump from the previous year. This surge has positioned India as the leading country in terms of sponsored study visas issued by the UK. Several factors contribute to this rise, including the appeal of world-class education, a diverse range of courses, a robust job market, and the UK government’s efforts to streamline visa procedures. Initiatives such as reducing visa application fees and introducing a new graduate visa route have facilitated the process for Indian students.
In the United States, over one million Indian visas were processed in 2023, with 95,000 successful applications from Indian students. Despite initial application backlogs post-pandemic, the US State Department has taken proactive measures to address the delays. These include recruiting additional staff, extending opening hours, and increasing interview waiver eligibility, resulting in a more positive experience for Indian students, as noted by education consultants.
Conversely, Canada is experiencing a decline in its appeal to Indian students. The country, traditionally a major destination for Indian students and immigrants, is facing diplomatic challenges with India. With fewer diplomats in India, delays in visa processing are anticipated. Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, acknowledged these challenges, revealing that limited resources and staff would impact visa processing, potentially causing a slowdown in the number of visas processed for Indians.
This trend highlights the need for continuous monitoring of the evolving dynamics in international education for Indian students
Moreover, Canada’s announcement of a new verification process for international students has added another layer of complexity. The process, effective from December 1, 2023, involves verifying the ‘letter of acceptance,’ a prerequisite for obtaining a study permit. This move comes in the wake of a visa fraud incident in June, affecting around 700 Indian students and raising concerns about potential deportations.
As a result, education consultants in India anticipate a drop in the number of students choosing Canada for higher education studies. While the diplomatic tussle and visa fraud incident contribute to this decline, the impact is expected to be more pronounced in postgraduate diploma numbers. This trend highlights the need for continuous monitoring of the evolving dynamics in international education for Indian students.
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