Why Your Student Visa for Canada is Taking so Long: An Inside Look
Applying for a student visa to Canada can be a daunting process, especially when you're in the middle of it. Many applicants wonder, why is my student visa application for Canada still under processing even after 60 days?
Common Misunderstandings
Some applicants believe that genuinely applying for a student visa in Canada is as simple as sending a few documents, only to realize that the process is far more intricate and time-consuming. For many East Indians, the primary concern is not just about studying but also about the potential difficulties of deportation if one overstays the visa. This belief can sometimes lead to the suspicion that the process is intentionally prolonged.
Processing Delays due to Fraud Concerns
Given the prevalence of fraud in certain countries, it's not uncommon for students from such backgrounds to face delays in their visa processing. According to customs and immigration officials, countries known for having high instances of fraud can expect their visa applications to take up to ten times longer to process. If your application comes from one of these countries, you may need to be patient as officials verify your information meticulously.
Verification and Information Verification
Another primary reason for the delay is the extensive verification process. Every piece of information you provide in your application must be cross-checked. For instance, missing an income tax payment or misspelling a minor detail can significantly slow down the process as civil servants need additional time to verify these details. This thorough verification ensures that the visa is granted to genuine applicants who meet all the necessary criteria.
Country-specific Processing Times
The processing time for a Canadian student visa from a particular country can significantly vary. According to the IRCC website, applications from countries with a high rate of fraud can take up to 12 months or even longer. Even for genuine applicants, the processing time can range from several months to over a year, depending on the country you're applying from and the complexity of your application.
Government Policy Changes
Recent government policies have introduced additional measures to control inflation and ease the pressure on housing markets. These measures include caps on the number of student visas issued, which can lead to prolonged processing times for applications. While this might seem frustrating, it's a strategy to ensure that the student market in Canada remains sustainable and not overcrowded.
Application Volume and Verification Process
It's also essential to consider the sheer volume of applications the Canadian government handles daily. In addition to student visa applications, there are numerous visitor, work, and asylum seeker applications to process. This influx of applications requires a substantial amount of time for verification and processing. Moreover, if other countries are not responsive or provide incomplete information, the delays can be further exacerbated.
Conclusion and Advice
While it's understandable to feel frustrated during the visa application process, it's crucial to remember that the delays are often due to the need for thorough verification and the current policies in place. Patience and a thorough understanding of the process can help. It might not be unusual for your application to take over 60 days, but it could take significantly longer, especially if you're from a country known for high instances of fraud. Stay informed about the latest processing times and requirements from the IRCC website and remain hopeful that your application will be processed in due course.