“AN unprecedented increase of 35% in student applications in the last year makes Chandigarh the 2nd highest student intake office after Beijing,” states a report from Canada’s Immigration Program Manager in Chandigarh in India.

“The volumes in the India network necessitated a rethinking of process and procedures,” states the report.

The report, obtained by Lexbase, Canada’s leading immigration publication under well-known immigration lawyer Richard Kurland, states: “Chandigarh does not conduct student outreach at this time considering the unprecedented increase in study permit applications. Chandigarh does not process permanent residents. We have specific expertise in two streams for this area: Sikh religious workers and Kabaddi players.”

It also notes: “For refused files the entire application is retained in the office space for 3 months, in accordance with the all-India policy in case of any litigation, MP representations or other inquiries.”