Visa Cancellation Concerns
Recent reports reveal Canada's plan to give authorities the ability to cancel the visas of groups of people, with a specific focus on some visa holders
including those from India. This initiative stems from concerns about potential fraud in the visa application process. Data indicates that the processing time for visa applications increased, moving from an average of 30 days at the end of July 2023 to 54 days a year later. Adding to the issue, it was discovered that asylum claims from Indian nationals rose significantly, surging from under 500 per month in May 2023 to around 2,000 by July 2024. Immigration lawyers were quoted stating that the government may be seeking broader cancellation powers to address a growing backlog of applications, which could potentially impact numerous individuals.
Growing Application Backlog
The push for these cancellation powers is reportedly linked to the increasing application backlog, with the government seeking means to reduce it. By July 31st, a significant number of applicants, totaling 1,873, were flagged for further review and received procedural fairness letters. These letters outlined their rights and potential legal options. The increased scrutiny also impacted approval rates. Approvals started to decrease in 2024, sliding from over 63,000 in January to roughly 48,000 by June. This was largely due to the reallocation of resources towards more rigorous verification processes. These measures suggest a proactive approach by Canadian authorities to address the challenges in the visa application system.
Increased Refusal Rates
The scrutiny has also greatly affected the approval rates, especially for study permits. In August, Canada rejected approximately 74% of Indian applications for permits to study at Canadian post-secondary institutions, which is almost three out of every four applications. In the same month, Canada also had the highest study permit refusal rate compared to all other countries, with over 1,000 approved applicants. This rise in rejection rates has particularly affected those seeking to pursue education in Canada. Such changes in visa approvals reflect a more rigorous approach to verify applications.
Civil Society Backlash
The proposed legislation has encountered criticism from various civil society groups. Over 300 groups have voiced their concerns, claiming that such broad cancellation powers could enable the government to establish a 'mass deportation machine.' These groups fear that the new law could disproportionately affect specific groups, leading to unjust outcomes. The government's actions have also drawn attention to its collaboration with US entities to identify and cancel fraudulent visitor visa applications from both India and Bangladesh. These partnerships and proposed measures aim to address concerns about visa fraud and maintain the integrity of the visa application system.
Official Statements, Uncertainties
While Canada's Immigration Minister, Lena Diab, has acknowledged that the government is seeking these powers, she has mentioned them as tools for use during a pandemic or in the event of war. However, she has not made any direct references to targeting specific countries or groups of visa holders. The documents also pointed to an increase in Indian passengers being denied boarding on airplanes as of the summer of 2024. These mixed signals and the lack of clarity raise significant questions about the government's intentions and the potential impact of these visa policy changes on the lives of many individuals.
