“For students residing in India, the cancellation of their admissions translates to a legal impediment in entering Canada, as their student visas were issued based on their acceptance to the college.”
— World Sikh Organisation President, Tejinder Singh
The World Sikh Organisation of Canada (WSO) has raised serious concerns regarding Northern College’s recent decision to withdraw admission offers to numerous international students, predominantly from Punjab, as reported by indianexpress.com. This abrupt action has left hundreds of aspiring students in a state of uncertainty and distress.
WSO President Tejinder Singh Sidhu expressed the gravity of the situation in a letter addressed to Northern College President, Dr. Audrey Penne. He pointed out that for students residing in India, the cancellation of their admissions translates to a legal impediment in entering Canada, as their student visas were issued based on their acceptance to the college. Additionally, these students have incurred substantial financial losses, including non-refundable airfare expenses. Many families had to resort to selling their properties or obtaining significant loans to finance their children’s education abroad.
The WSO urged Northern College to reconsider its decision and find alternative solutions to address the issue of over-enrollment without compromising the dreams and aspirations of these international students. Collaborative efforts are essential to mitigate the far-reaching consequences and support those who have been adversely affected
Moreover, the withdrawal of admission jeopardizes the validity of essential certifications, such as medical examinations and IELTS scores, which have an expiry date.
It is acknowledged that some students who are already in Canada have been informed about the transition to online course delivery. However, this alternative falls short of the immersive in-person learning experience that students had anticipated and paid for. The impact of Northern College’s actions has been devastating for the affected students, as it disrupts their educational pursuits and jeopardizes their future prospects.
The WSO urged Northern College to reconsider its decision and find alternative solutions to address the issue of over-enrollment without compromising the dreams and aspirations of these international students. Collaborative efforts are essential to mitigate the far-reaching consequences and support those who have been adversely affected.
In conclusion, the World Sikh Organisation of Canada appeals to Northern College to prioritise the well-being and educational aspirations of these international students, recognizing the significant sacrifices they have made to pursue higher education in Canada. Open dialogue and proactive measures are imperative to ensure that such distressing situations do not recur in the future.
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