Dozens of Chinese graduate students are raising concerns about discrimination by the Ottawa government due to delays in their study permit applications, which are obstructing their enrollment in advanced programs at Canadian universities. Yixin Cheng, a 27-year-old aspiring PhD student in computer science at UBC, expressed the significant impact these delays have had on his life from Hangzhao, China. Along with 24 other students, Cheng has taken legal action against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in Federal Court, alleging unfair delays in the security screening phase despite being accepted into STEM graduate-level programs at universities like UBC, McGill, and the University of Waterloo.
All 25 students, still in China as the new school year commenced, have been affected by the prolonged processing time of their study permit applications. Cheng, who applied in May 2024 and resigned from a lucrative job in anticipation of starting at UBC last fall, emphasized the financial toll this delay has taken, estimating a loss of around $170,000 annually. The uncertainty surrounding their applications has left these students in a precarious situation, with limited time to secure enrollment even if decisions are made promptly.
The students seek expedited processing of their permits through legal intervention, as their lawyer, Vakkas Bilsin, noted the concerning pattern of delays affecting Chinese STEM students. The lack of transparency in the application process, where delays seem unjustified, has added to the frustration and financial strain endured by these students and their families. While IRCC maintains its commitment to fair and non-discriminatory immigration procedures, the extended security screenings have raised questions about the necessity and efficiency of these measures.
Amidst the ongoing delays, the impact on the students’ mental health, financial stability, and academic preparedness has been highlighted by their professors, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution. However, former CSIS director Ward Elcock defended the scrutiny faced by Chinese STEM students, citing security concerns that require meticulous vetting processes. While the students’ right to express grievances is acknowledged, the need for thorough security checks before attending Canadian universities is emphasized as a critical aspect of the application process.
As the students continue to grapple with the uncertainty and personal setbacks caused by the delays, their hopes for a timely resolution remain essential for their academic pursuits, financial well-being, and overall mental health. Clarity and swift decisions from IRCC are crucial to alleviating the hardships faced by these students, who find themselves in a state of limbo as they navigate the intricate process of securing their study permits and pursuing their educational aspirations.