Canada remains actively engaged in the visa processing of Indian citizens despite an ongoing diplomatic disagreement.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has recently affirmed his commitment to “uphold the principles of the legal system in Canada” and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of Canadians.

Amidst the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, stemming from the tragic killing of Canadian-Sikh Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June, there has been concern about the potential impact on Canada’s visa processing for Indian nationals.

As of the current moment, there is no information suggesting that Canada intends to modify its visa application procedures for Indian nationals, whether in relation to processing existing applications or accepting new ones.

Visa Processing Timelines

Irrespective of the applicant’s nationality, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) strives to process 80% of applications for each immigration and temporary resident program within defined service standards.

As of today, October 4, 2023, here are the average processing times for some of Canada’s most popular visa categories:

1. Study Permit (applied from outside Canada): 8 weeks
2. Work Permit (applied from India): 9 weeks
3. Visitor Visa (applied from India): 30 days
4. Federal Skilled Workers Program (online application via Express Entry): 6 months
5. Provincial Nominee Programs (online application via Express Entry): 8 months

Indian Presence in Canada

India holds a significant position in Canada’s immigration and temporary resident system. The following highlights key statistics related to the presence of Indian nationals in Canada’s newcomer community in 2022:

• India ranked as the second most common country of residence among all Invitation to Apply (ITA) recipients, with 3,787 ITAs issued through Express Entry.
• India stood as the leading source country for new international students coming to Canada, with a total of 226,450 students.
• Among immigrant countries of citizenship, India held the top position, contributing 118,095 permanent residents to Canada.
• A total of 59,503 Indian permanent residents became Canadian citizens, marking the highest number from any country.

These statistics underscore the substantial and positive contribution of Indian nationals to Canada’s immigration landscape.