Canada Tightens Visa Rules, Increases Indian Student Rejection Rate to 74%

The Canadian government has implemented stricter visa rules, significantly impacting Indian student applicants. The rejection rate for Indian study permit applications has surged to 74% in August 2025. This follows a notable increase in visa refusals for Indian nationals, which has reached alarming levels.

Reduction in Study Permits

In 2025, Canada has reduced the issuance of study permits for the second consecutive year. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at lowering temporary migration and combating fraud associated with student visas. Data from Canada’s immigration department emphasizes the severity of the situation.

Current Rejection Statistics

• 74% of Indian applications were rejected in August 2025.
• Approximately 32% of Indian applications were rejected in August 2023.
• The overall refusal rate for international applicants in August 2025 stood at about 40%.
• In comparison, the rejection rate for Chinese applications was around 24% in the same month.

The number of Indian applicants has drastically decreased. Only 4,515 Indian students applied for permits in August 2025, a sharp contrast to the 20,900 applications submitted in August 2023. Indian applicants represented over 25% of total international applicants prior to this decline.

Concerns Over Fraud

Fraudulent admissions documents have prompted heightened scrutiny in the application process. In 2023, Canadian authorities identified nearly 1,550 study permit applications linked to counterfeit acceptance letters, with most of these originating from India.

Enhanced Verification Measures

Canada has now strengthened its verification systems. In 2023, more than 14,000 potentially fraudulent acceptance letters from all applicants were detected. In response, the Canadian government has expanded verification requirements and increased financial criteria for prospective students.

Impact on Educational Institutions

The increase in rejection rates is already being felt by Canadian universities. The University of Waterloo, known for its engineering faculty, has seen a two-thirds decline in Indian enrollment over the past few years. Other institutions, such as the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, have reported similar decreases.

Deteriorating Diplomatic Relations

This tightening of visa rules coincides with strained relations between Canada and India. Tensions escalated after accusations from Canada’s former prime minister alleging involvement of Indian agents in a Canadian citizen’s death in British Columbia.

Reevaluation of Canada as a Study Destination

Many Indian students are reconsidering Canada as a viable option for education. The previous pathway from education to permanent residency now feels uncertain. Jaspreet Singh, founder of the International Sikh Students Association, remarked on how applicants now see the opportunity in Canada as increasingly unpredictable.

• Many rejected applicants feel relieved about not pursuing their studies in Canada.
• A shift in perceptions about studying abroad is evident among prospective students.

Conclusion

The rise in rejection rates highlights emerging challenges for Indian students seeking education in Canada. As new regulations take effect, the landscape for international students is undergoing significant change.