Data reveals a concerning trend for Indian students hoping to study in Canada, with over 70% of applications for study permits facing rejection. This rate is considerably higher than the 40% overall rejection rate for applicants of all nationalities. For Indians, who represent a substantial portion of international students, this represents the highest rejection rate, according to a Reuters report on November 3rd.
How stark is the situation?
- In August 2025, a significant 74% of Indian applications for Canadian study permits were rejected, a stark increase from the 32% rejection rate observed in August 2023.
- This contrasts with the overall refusal rate of approximately 40% for study permits across all nationalities during the same periods.
- For context, about 24% of Chinese study permit applications were rejected in August 2025.
Canada has been actively managing immigration numbers, citing local concerns and job market conditions. This has led to a reduction in the issuance of international student permits for the second consecutive year in early 2025. While study permits have traditionally served as a pathway to employment and settlement in Western countries for many Indians and Chinese, Canada is intensifying its efforts to curb temporary migration and address fraudulent activities related to student visas.
‘Study, Work, Stay’ Visas Now Facing Hurdles
Jaspreet Singh, founder of the International Sikh Students Association, shared his experience of arriving in Canada in 2015 with an ambition to study mechanical engineering, recalling government campaigns that encouraged newcomers to ‘study, work, stay’. He notes that the current environment has become less welcoming.
Singh is not surprised by the high rejection rates, acknowledging the concerns surrounding fraud. However, he observes that as permanent residency and job prospects become more challenging in Canada, some students who were recently rejected are surprisingly unbothered, stating, “They are happy they didn’t come.”
Application Numbers Dip Amidst Diplomatic Shifts
Reflecting the increased rejections, the number of Indian applicants has also seen a substantial drop, decreasing from 20,900 in August 2023 to 4,515 in August 2025. India has consistently been Canada’s primary source of international students for the past decade.
This rise in visa refusals occurs as Canada and India strive to mend their diplomatic ties following a period of tension. Tensions heightened after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government accused the Indian government of involvement in the 2023 murder of a Canadian Sikh in Surrey, British Columbia, allegations that India has consistently refuted.
India’s Official Stance
The Indian embassy in Ottawa has acknowledged the issue of increased study permit rejections for Indian students, emphasizing that the issuance of study permits falls under Canada’s jurisdiction.
“However, we would like to emphasize that some of the best quality students available in the world are from India, and Canadian institutions have in the past greatly benefited from the talent and academic excellence of these students,” stated the embassy in a release.
Underlying Reasons for Rejection
Beyond the stated policies, deeper reasons appear to be influencing these rejections.
In 2023 alone, Canadian authorities identified approximately 1,550 study permit applications associated with fraudulent acceptance letters, predominantly originating from India, as reported by Canada’s immigration department. By 2024, enhanced verification systems flagged over 14,000 potentially fraudulent acceptance letters from all applicants.
Canada’s immigration department spokesperson highlighted the implementation of stricter verification processes for international students and increased financial requirements for applicants.
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, acknowledged during an October visit to India that the Canadian government is committed to upholding the integrity of its immigration systems while also valuing the presence of Indian students in Canada.
Ground Realities for Applicants
Michael Pietrocarlo from Border Pass, an organization assisting with Canadian visa applications, notes that his firm advises applicants to provide more than just the basic documentation.
“For example,” Pietrocarlo explains, “when students must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves, it’s not enough just to say, ‘Here are some bank statements.’ They may have to go the extra mile and say, ‘Here’s where the money came from.’”
The University of Waterloo, renowned for Canada’s largest engineering school, has reported a two-thirds decrease in student enrollment from India for both undergraduate and graduate programs over the last four years. Ian VanderBurgh, the university’s associate vice president of strategic enrollment management, attributes this decline primarily to government caps on foreign student visas. Universities like the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan have also reported similar trends.