By Gerald V. Paul

The Haitian community is expressing concerns over student visas for Haitians to come and study in Canada.

According to Michelle Locas, founder of the Quebec Association of Student Entrepreneur Clubs, this problem comes just as Haiti needs international education as much as investment to get back on its feet.

“There are Universities that have completely collapsed in Port-au-Prince. So for young people to be able to study here in the face of the (January 12) earthquake is very important,” Locas said.

But according to Concordia University’s International Student Office manager Kelly Collins, the low number of visas issued so far might also suggest fewer demands made.

It was revealed that since the criteria have not changed, and considering the number of visas given out so far, the question of new students becomes more of an impossibility.

To be issued a permit or temporary resident visa, foreign students must first be accepted into an educational institution in Canada, then they must get permission, if they happen to be in Quebec, from immigration authorities, and meet the financial requirements.

They can be denied if they do not satisfy an Canadian immigration officer that they will “leave Canada” at the end of their studies.

Several dozens Haitians students come to study in Quebec each year.

It was revealed that Canada is giving out fewer study permits or visas since the historic earthquake obliterated much of central Haiti last January.

Only 19 permits have been issued since the earthquake up to the last week of July, the latest numbers available from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

With the visa office in Port-au-Prince is damaged, Canada has recommended people to go through the Dominican Republic to obtain their visas. However, Haitians are experiencing difficulties in obtaining the visas.

Included in the constrains, is the minimum of $500 in costs for the hopeful student.