In recent developments, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, shared the latest information regarding the processing of Indian visas for 2023. During a recent session of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM), Minister Miller unveiled the revised expectations. Originally, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aimed to process 38,000 Indian visas by the end of the year. However, current circumstances have led Canada to anticipate processing only 20,000 Indian visas.
On-Ground Workforce Constraints in India
One of the primary challenges behind this adjustment is the limited on-the-ground workforce in India. Presently, only five members of the IRCC team are responsible for performing essential tasks required for visa processing. The resulting shortage of manpower is expected to result in various consequences, including extended processing timelines, delayed responses to inquiries, and potential delays in returning visas and passports to applicants.
Expected Backlog in 2024
The challenges faced by the IRCC are predicted to lead to an estimated backlog of around 17,500 Indian visa applications at the outset of 2024. To address this issue, the IRCC has set a goal to process 80% of all visa applications within established service standards. These standards vary depending on the type of application. Any application exceeding these service standards is categorized as being in backlog. For instance, international student visas from outside of Canada are ideally processed within 60 days, while family-class sponsorship applications are to be processed within 12 months, and Express Entry applications should be processed within six months.
Temporary Suspension of In-Person Services in India
As a response to these challenges and workforce limitations, the IRCC has temporarily suspended all in-person services at its consulates in India. Nevertheless, they will continue to accept and process visa applications from Indian citizens. Specific application requirements may need to be completed locally or on-site in secure environments. This suspension is a direct consequence of the reduction in staff due to the expulsion of 41 Canadian diplomats.
In-Country Task Focus
The remaining five IRCC staff members in India will concentrate on vital in-country tasks, including urgent processing, visa printing, risk assessment, and oversight of key partners such as visa application centers, panel physicians, and clinics conducting immigration medical examinations.
Expectations for Normalization in 2024
The IRCC remains optimistic that the processing of Indian visa applications will return to normal by early 2024. Senior officials within the IRCC have assured that the government is actively working to restore regular processing for Indian applications. The 22 immigration staff members previously relocated from India are expected to resume their duties in Canada and the Philippines.
Global Network Processing
Acknowledging the staff reduction, the IRCC has noted that a significant majority of Indian visa applications are already processed outside the country, with 89% of Indian applications being handled through the global network.
Diplomatic Tensions
These developments are taking place amid diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. These tensions stem from the assassination of a prominent Sikh leader in Surrey, British Columbia, in June of the previous year. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the issue in September, citing credible intelligence linking Indian government agents to the assassination—a claim vehemently denied by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a result of this dispute, India temporarily closed its visa processing centers in Canada and later requested the removal of 41 Canadian diplomats from its territory.