As the United States becomes increasingly less attractive to scientists and international event organizers, Canada is being viewed by some as a potential alternative to host high-level conferences and academic gatherings.
However, according to the “Welcoming Countries Ranking” published by Montreal-based firm Arton Capital, Canada ranks surprisingly low — largely due to its strict visa requirements.
A Contrast Between an Open Image and Bureaucratic Reality
Internationally, Canada enjoys a positive reputation, known for its multiculturalism, political stability, and academic appeal. Yet in practice, foreign nationals wishing to attend scientific events often face complex, lengthy, and uncertain visa procedures.
In some cases, processing times can reach up to 18 months — making it virtually impossible to attend time-sensitive events.
For instance, during a scientific congress held in Montreal, more than 600 out of the 6,000 registered participants were unable to attend due to visa delays.
Some organizers have described the situation as a “diplomatic failure.”
New Government Restrictions Further Complicate Access
Since May 2025, Canadian authorities have tightened the criteria for temporary visas, now limiting the range of acceptable travel reasons.
The directive aims to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5% of the total population by 2027, down from the current 7%. In line with this, the number of study permits granted to Indian students — historically a strong demographic — has dropped by 31%, and legal restrictions on abusive status extensions have been reinforced.
The issue is that these new measures do not explicitly exclude participants in scientific conferences, leaving many researchers in a state of uncertainty.
Missed Opportunities for Canada
With Donald Trump back in office in the United States and reinstating hardline immigration policies, Canada could logically position itself as a global academic and scientific hub, attracting talent from around the world. But its current visa policies appear counterproductive to that ambition.
Analysts see a paradox in the situation: while Canada seeks to portray itself as a haven for knowledge, it undermines this position by imposing major logistical barriers.
The country now faces a growing tension between:
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The need to control temporary immigration for economic, political, and security reasons,
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And the opportunity to attract international talent, researchers, and students amid a global trend toward isolationism — particularly in the U.S.
To truly establish itself as a credible alternative to Trump’s America, Canada will need to:
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Create a fast-track “scientific corridor” for international researchers and conference speakers,
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Drastically reduce visa processing times for science-related events,
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Clarify its invitation policies for universities and research centers.
Otherwise, the country risks missing a historic window of opportunity — to the benefit of more agile destinations such as Spain or the United Arab Emirates, which are actively simplifying administrative procedures.
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