India, Canada Launch Dialogue to Strengthen Migration Pathways

India and Canada have launched their inaugural Migration and Mobility Dialogue to strengthen people-to-people ties, improve migration management and explore opportunities for students, skilled workers, professionals and business visitors.

The meeting was held in New Delhi on October 26 and co-chaired by Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Ted Gallivan, Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Both countries signed the Terms of Reference for the dialogue, reaffirming their shared belief that people form a strong bridge between the two nations. The discussions focused on enabling mobility pathways and improving cooperation on migration-related issues.

India highlighted the natural complementarity between its young, skilled workforce and Canada's demographic and labour market trends, noting that well-managed mobility could support future bilateral growth.

The initiative could provide a platform to address challenges faced by Indian students and migrants moving to Canada. These include uncertainty over visa and immigration rules, high living costs, difficulties securing jobs matching their qualifications, and delays in obtaining professional recognition or licences.

Indian students also face uncertainty over post-study work opportunities and pathways to permanent residence. Other concerns include recruitment-related risks, cultural adjustment and language barriers. While the dialogue could help both governments discuss these issues, no new visa rules, scholarships or guaranteed employment opportunities were announced at the inaugural meeting.

The dialogue will be held annually and supported by a Joint Working Group on Migration and Mobility, which will facilitate continued discussions on migration management and mobility opportunities.

Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting in Canada on mutually convenient dates. The initiative is expected to provide a regular platform for addressing shared concerns and exploring practical measures to facilitate the movement of people between the two countries.

Any changes to visa procedures, work opportunities or immigration pathways would depend on specific policy decisions announced separately by the respective governments.