Canada slashes visas for Bangladeshis

Canada has drastically reduced the number of visas issued to Bangladeshi nationals after placing the country on its high-risk or “red list.” Official data shows a 61% decline in visa approvals over the past several months, raising serious concern among immigration experts and education consultants.

Bangladesh, once among the top source countries for international students in Canada, is now facing unprecedented restrictions. Alongside India and Nigeria, Bangladesh has been flagged due to high volumes of asylum claims—many reportedly unfounded—as well as a rise in fraudulent visa applications.

Md. Siddiqur Rahman, a Canada-based IRB-regulated immigration consultant, said: “Bangladesh is officially on Canada’s red list. Recent rule changes are structured to automatically filter out unqualified or risky applicants. The intention is to tighten entry criteria without formally announcing a ban.”

The impact is being felt across all visa categories. Thousands of Bangladeshi students have been denied the opportunity to study in Canada—particularly alarming during the September intake, considered the peak season for international admissions.

Tourist and work visa approvals have also sharply declined, with numerous applicants reporting sudden rejections without clear explanations.

Education consultant Masumul Kabir commented: “Many Bangladeshi students are now in limbo. However, Canadian universities are engaging with the government to resolve the issue. We hope for positive developments soon.”

According to Canadian immigration authorities, a growing number of Bangladeshi nationals have applied for asylum in recent years, most under questionable circumstances. Additionally, applications submitted with forged documents and procedural errors have undermined the credibility of Bangladeshi applicants as a whole.

In 2024, Canada issued approximately 1.5 million tourist visas globally—down from 1.8 million in 2023. The steepest declines were observed in countries identified as sources of high asylum claims.

India, also facing restrictions, has already initiated diplomatic talks with the Canadian government. Analysts suggest Bangladesh must act swiftly and engage in similar dialogue to restore confidence and improve visa prospects for its citizens.