Canada’s recent tightening of international student visa policies has led to a sharp increase in rejections for Indian applicants, a demographic that has historically been a cornerstone of its international student population. What was once a highly sought-after educational destination is now presenting significant hurdles for aspiring Indian students, impacting their academic aspirations.
India has held the position of Canada’s largest source country for international students for over a decade. However, recent data indicates a concerning shift, with Canada now reportedly experiencing the highest study permit refusal rate among countries contributing over 1,000 approved applicants. This development is a notable departure from previous trends and is causing apprehension.
Officials have acknowledged the rise in visa denials, underscoring that the authority to issue study permits rests with the Canadian government. This stance comes as Canada actively seeks to manage its immigration levels and tackle instances of student visa fraud. Consequently, the overall number of issued study permits has seen a reduction.
The impact on Indian applicants is particularly pronounced. Data from August 2025 reveals that nearly three-quarters (74%) of study permit applications from India were rejected. This figure starkly contrasts with the approximately 32% refusal rate recorded in August of the prior year. Globally, about 40% of all study permit applications were refused, while China saw a 24% rejection rate.
This policy shift has also resulted in a significant drop in the number of Indian students applying. In August 2023, 20,900 Indian applicants were recorded; by August 2025, this number had fallen to just 4,515. This substantial decrease highlights the growing challenges faced by Indian nationals hoping to pursue education in Canada.
The intensified visa scrutiny is occurring against a backdrop of diplomatic discussions. However, Canadian authorities maintain that the focus is on ensuring the integrity of the student visa system. Investigations have uncovered a substantial number of fraudulent applications, often linked to fake acceptance letters, with a significant portion originating from India. Enhanced verification measures and a higher financial requirement are now in place to mitigate these risks.
