India asks Canada to simplify visa procedures

India has asked Canada to simplify visa procedures for its students and formulate aggressive strategies to further attract them by establishing linkages in education, immigration and jobs. "Canada must evolve fast track system for business and student visas and create its brand name in India," Indian High Commissioner to Canada R L Narayan said. He was addressing an international education conference organized by Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC) along with Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute.

"India recognizes Canadian expertise in new generation of learning skills and knowledge that could help our students in becoming global citizens," Narayan said. The High Commissioner also urged Canadian government to simplify visa procedures; recognise Indian credentials; adopt aggressive marketing strategies to create brand name in Indian cities. "If Canada is serious in doing business with India, it must simplify visa procedures for business and student class," Narayan said.

Over 1,60,000 to 1,70,000 Indian students went abroad and spent USD four billion on education each year, but Canada's share was only marginal. There was a scope to attract more Indian students to Canada if it adopts aggressive strategies, Narayan said. "India is now number one country from where new comers come to Canada," he added, quoting Federal Immigration Minister Diane Finley.