Tensions between Canada and India had started to hit rock bottom when the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of a pro-Khalistan leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjer. However, India has strongly denied the allegations and in retaliation, has withdrawn its High Commissioner from Canada and expelled 6 Canadian diplomats. So with the ongoing diplomatic relations between Canada and India, hitting at an all time low, what impact does this have on - students, visas and immigration?

Impact on Immigration Policies

Although there is no official change in the immigration policies, Indians have been facing delays in visa processing times due to reduction in diplomatic staff. It is expected that these processing delays will continue, and the backlog of both visitor and work visas will continue to get worse. However, this is mostly due to administrative reasons rather than policital reasons.

Impact on Indian students, workers in Canada

While the diplomatic relations might not be at it's best, this gives no reaons for students or workers within Canada to worry. The concerns about discrimnation or workplace challenges due to diplomatic row, are premature. Even in the worst of situations, Canada has provided an inclusive environment to its immigrants and people, therefore the Indian students or workers in Canada should not be affected by these diplomatic changes.

Additionally, workplace discrimination also wouldn't be an issue for Indian workers as the Canadian companies focus on merit of applicants rather than their nationalities. 

Impact on permanent residency

The permanent residency programs to Canada, are same to everyone, despite of their nationalities. This means that everyone who is eligible to apply, can continue to do so, without worrying about the political relations between the countries.

While permanent residency rules have not changed, the Canadian economy has started to favor applicants who are in in-demand occupations, francophones and working in different regions. Therefore, again, the diplomatic relations have no short-term or long-term impact on permanent residency applications from India.

Is immigration to Canada slowing down?

In 2022, international students contributed around $37.3 billion to Canada's economy, and Canada continues to invite more immigrants. Canada's reliance on immigration to meet it's economic ojectives is long-term and would not affect the interest of people interested in making a permanent move.

While the worsening of diplomatic relations between India-Canada, at first seems like it's bad for immigration, visa policies, students and workforce. In reality, it has little to no impact on any of it.

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