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In light of recent challenges faced by Indian students in obtaining Canadian student visas, a new trend is emerging. Many are now opting to travel to Canada on visitor or tourist visas with the intention of converting these to study permits upon arrival. This strategy comes as a response to the stringent requirements and capping of international student permits by Canada, affecting the ease of securing study visas, especially for undergraduate courses.
Understanding the Shift to Visitor Visas
Educational consultants in Punjab have noted an increase in the number of students applying for visitor visas in 2023. This follows Canada's decision to introduce several new requirements for student visas in January 2024, alongside an intake cap. The cap aims to approve around 3,60,000 study permits for 2024, marking a 35% decrease from the previous year. The restrictions now include a mandatory attestation letter from the province or territory where the intended college or university is located, with a limited number of these letters available.
The competition for student visas is becoming fiercer, with preference given to students who score higher in English proficiency tests like the IELTS and PTE. Misinformation spread by some agents has led students to believe that obtaining a student visa for Canada is near impossible, prompting them to look for alternative routes such as the visitor visa.
Is it Legal and Advisable?
Transitioning from a visitor visa to a study permit is a legal process. Visitor visas from India are processed within approximately three weeks, significantly faster than the 12 to 13 weeks for study permit applications. This difference in processing times is a key factor driving students towards this option. Despite the legality and the quicker entry it offers, the advisability of this route remains questionable.
Some consultants advocate for this method, citing the swifter arrival in Canada as a significant advantage. However, others caution against it, recommending the direct application for study visas instead. They argue that with provinces beginning to issue attestation letters more reliably, the process for obtaining study visas is expected to become more efficient.
The Risks and Recommendations
Applying for a visitor visa with the intention of converting it to a study permit involves undergoing a similar application process in Canada as in India. This includes proving acceptance from a designated learning institution and demonstrating financial support. Moreover, the cap on international students applies to those applying from within Canada as well, adding another layer of complexity and risk to this route.
Given the costs and the intricate process involved, experts like Sumit Jain from Jain Overseas advise against using a visitor visa as a stepping stone to a study permit. The direct application for a study visa, despite its longer processing time, remains the recommended approach for students aiming to study in Canada.
In summary, while the visitor visa route to a Canadian study permit offers a quicker entry into the country, it comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. Students are advised to weigh their options carefully, considering the legalities, risks, and processing times involved.
