Canada Tightens Student Visa Rules for Indian Applicants
Canadian immigration authorities have rejected about 74 per cent of study permit applications from Indian students in August 2025, a sharp rise from 32 per cent in August 2023. This marks the highest refusal rate for any country with more than 1,000 applications. The total number of applications from India in that month fell to 4,515 from around 20,900 in August 2023.
Reasons Behind the Shift
The increase in rejections comes amid stricter verification of acceptance letters, higher scrutiny of source of funds, and broader immigration policy changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In 2023, Canadian authorities flagged around 1,550 applications tied to fraudulent letters of acceptance, the majority from India.
Impact on Indian Students
Prospective Indian students and education consultants say the move has cooled interest in Canada as a study destination. Canadian universities report significant declines in enrolments from India and are working harder to vet applications. Applicants now face more detailed documentation on funds, academic history and motives. While India remains a top source country for international students in Canada, the trends point to a changing environment.
