Canada Denies 75% of Indian Student Visas: Discover the Reasons

In August 2025, Canada rejected approximately 75% of applications from Indian students seeking to study at Canadian institutions. This dramatic rise in rejection rates has raised concerns about Canada’s appeal as a study destination for Indian applicants.

Significant Decline in Indian Student Applications

Recent government data indicates that the rejection rate for Indian applicants has soared from 32% in August 2023 to around 74% in August 2025. Overall, about 40% of all study permit applications were denied in both months. In contrast, the number of applications from Indian students dropped significantly, falling from 20,900 in August 2023 to just 4,515 in the same month of 2025.

Impact of Visa Restrictions

Canada has implemented stringent measures regarding international student permits to combat fraud and curb temporary migration. For the second consecutive year, there has been a reduction in the overall number of international student permits issued.

• August 2023: 32% rejection rate for Indian applicants
• August 2025: 74% rejection rate for Indian applicants
• Decline in Applications: From 20,900 to 4,515

Concerns Over Application Fraud

The Canadian immigration department identified that around 1,550 study permit applications featured fraudulent letters of acceptance, with many traced back to India. Additionally, over 14,000 letters of acceptance were flagged as likely fraudulent by a newly enhanced verification system.

In response to these issues, Canada has tightened its verification processes and increased the financial requirements for prospective international students.

Implications for Canadian-Indian Relations

The high rejection rate of Indian student applications comes at a time when India and Canada are working to mend diplomatic relations following tensions during the last administration under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Indian embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the rising rejection rates but noted that the issuance of permits remains within Canadian jurisdiction.

The embassy also emphasized the high caliber of students from India, asserting that Canadian institutions have historically benefited from their talent and academic achievements. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reiterated the commitment to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system while encouraging Indian students to pursue their studies in Canada.