Canada student visa approvals for indians drop 93% amid policy tightening
The once-booming flow of Indian students to Canada has dropped sharply, with official data showing a 93% decline in approved study permits since 2023.
Between January and August 2025, Canada granted only 9,955 student visas to Indian applicants — compared to 149,875 during the same period in 2023. This dramatic fall follows Canada’s decision to cap new study permits at 437,000 amid concerns over housing shortages, healthcare strain, and local resource pressure.
- However, the data suggests that Indian students are being hit harder than others
- The rejection rate for Indian applications has soared to 71%, compared to 58% across all nationalities
- In 2023, only 23% of Indian applicants were turned down
Experts attribute the shift partly to strained India–Canada diplomatic ties and policy tightening around private colleges. With Indian students previously comprising 35% of all foreign enrollees, the decline could have major economic implications for Canadian institutions, many of which rely heavily on international tuition.
For students, the situation has created confusion and heartbreak. Many had secured admission and accommodation only to face sudden refusals. Education consultants warn that Canada’s reputation as a top global destination for Indian students is now at risk.
While Ottawa maintains that the cap ensures “sustainable immigration,” affected families hope for fairer treatment and greater transparency in future processing.
