Mumbai: The international education system in Canada, which has long been regarded as one of the friendliest nations for students, is currently becoming more stringent than ever before. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in 2025, about 62% of applications for student visas were denied. This is much higher than the average rejection rate of prior years, which was 40%, and it is a big increase from 52% last year. This rise in denials means more than just additional paperwork to many prospective students. It represents a significant change in how Canada welcomes international students.

Indian Students Among The Worst Affected

According to estimates, up to eight out of ten applications were denied this year, indicating that Indian applicants have been disproportionately impacted by these changes. Despite the lack of a country-by-country breakdown, the sheer number of rejections suggests that students in Asia, Africa, and beyond are facing comparable challenges. Canada hosted more than a million overseas students in 2024, second only to the United States as a host nation, according to VnExpress. Of them, more than 17,000 were from Vietnam, 41% were from India, and 12% were from China. This ratio could be drastically changed by the forthcoming policy changes.

Nearly 437,000 study permits will be granted by the Canadian government this year, which is nearly 10% less than in 2024. Of these, schoolchildren and renewals will receive about 120,000, undergraduates and other programs will receive 243,000, and postgraduate students will receive 73,000. Additionally, new guidelines for employment permits after graduation have been implemented. College graduates must demonstrate at least a B1 level of English or French competence, while university graduates must demonstrate a B2 level or better. Students will no longer be eligible for a poststudy work visa if they transfer to unapproved courses.

Students React To Rejections

For many Indian applicants, the sudden spike in refusals has not only disrupted their study plans but also shaken their confidence in Canada as a reliable destination. “I had an offer from a Canadian university, but my visa was rejected without a clear reason. After months of preparation and expenses, it feels like all the effort has gone to waste,” said a 23-year-old student from Mumbai. “Applying to Canada this year feels like a gamble. I know students with strong academic records and full financial proof who were still rejected,” said Sandhya Sinha, a postgraduate aspirant from Bhopal. “It’s disheartening, and that’s why many of us, including me, are now exploring options in Eu.

Industry Perspective

“In 2025, nearly 80% of Indian student visa applications to Canada have been refused. This isn’t a shutdown—it’s a course correction,” said Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO, University Living. “The number of study permits has been cut sharply from about 681,000 in 2023 to 268,000 in 2024, with the cap for this year set at around 437,000. Students must now show stronger financial proof, meet higher living cost requirements of CAD 20,635, and navigate tighter post-study work rules. Even well-prepared students are finding approvals harder.”

Arora added that record arrivals in 2023 had stretched housing, healthcare, and part-time work opportunities, prompting the government to introduce these caps and stricter requirements. “As a result, many Indians are looking elsewhere. Germany, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand are becoming preferred destinations, as they are seen as more stable, affordable, and transparent about post-study opportunities. The key lesson for families: success now depends less on where you go and more on how clearly you show intent, prove financial readiness, and link your studies to long-term career goals.”