Palestinian students say visa delays have stranded them despite admission to Canadian schools

More than 70 Palestinian students are facing a dire situation as they wait for their immigration to Canada to be processed, despite having admissions and scholarships to universities across the country. With two of their peers tragically killed last year, the urgency for these students to leave Gaza or nearby Egypt and Jordan has only heightened.

One such student, Meera, an industrial engineering student who has been accepted to the University of Regina on scholarships to pursue a master’s degree, is currently stuck in Gaza City. She is unable to submit a completed visa application to the federal Immigration Department due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Meera, along with many other students, fears being trapped with their dreams unrealized.

The devastating loss of twin sisters Sally and Dalia Ghazi, who were killed after being accepted into a PhD program at the University of Waterloo, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by these students. The sisters were described as excellent students who were eager to pursue opportunities in Canada.

Efforts to assist these students are being made by organizations like Palestinian Students and Scholars at Risk (PSSAR). However, the primary issue hindering their departure is the requirement for security clearance, including biometrics such as photos and fingerprints. IRCC, the government agency responsible for immigration, has cited the lack of presence in the war zone as a challenge in administering these tests.

Despite this explanation, some professors like Aaron Shafer from Trent University believe more can be done to expedite the process. He points to other countries like France, which have successfully facilitated the safe passage of students from conflict zones. The urgency for these students is palpable, as admissions and scholarships come with expiry dates that may be missed if immigration delays persist.

For students like Alaa, who has been waiting in Egypt since submitting his immigration paperwork in May 2024, the uncertainty and separation from loved ones in Gaza weigh heavily. The destruction of universities in the region due to the ongoing conflict adds to the urgency for these students to continue their studies abroad.

As the clock ticks on admissions and scholarships, these students are left in limbo, waiting for their visas to be processed. The Canadian government, while acknowledging the complexity of each application, must work diligently to expedite the process and ensure that these students can pursue their academic dreams in safety and security. The tragic loss of their peers serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency of their situation and the need for swift action.