Canada student visa rejections highest in 10 years, 81% of them Indian applications

Study in Canada: Canada has slashed international student visas by 70% in the first half of 2025, with Indian students facing an 81% rejection rate – the highest refusal levels in more than a decade. New data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows the country issued 88,617 fewer student visas between January and June 2025 compared to the same period last year.

The cuts in Canada student visas far exceed the government’s original plan to reduce permits by 10% .

While 1,25,034 new international students arrived in the first half of 2024, only 36,417 made it through in 2025. Combined with temporary work permit reductions, Canada has cut 2,14,520 permits across both categories – a move aimed to ease pressure on housing, healthcare, and public services.

In mid-2025, IRCC had confirmed via its official X account that Canada would reduce the number of international students coming in to “a sustainable level”.

Canada student visa: Indians see record refusals

Indian students in Canada have borne the heaviest burden of this policy shift. In December last year, IRCC’s Visa Integrity report revealed that 81% of Indian applications were refused , citing financial insufficiency, risk assessments, program credibility, and fraud prevention as key reasons.

A report by The PIE News states that according to BorderPass, nearly four out of five study permit applications worldwide were rejected in early 2025 which is the highest refusal rate in more than a decade, with Indian students among those most affected.

Immigration lawyer Steven Meurrens highlighted on X, the steep fall in arrivals with a post that compared year-on-year data. He added that while IRCC’s plan was to issue only 10% fewer study permits this year, the actual decline so far was closer to 70%.

Also read Canada Work Visa: Why IRCC is making language tests must and what changes for open work permits

Study Visa Canada: ‘A reset, not a shutdown’

Education experts argue that the surge in Canada visa rejections reflects a shift in the country’s priorities rather than a permanent shutdown.

Emphasising that every country needs skilled professionals to sustain its economy, Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, believes this is more of a reset. “Canada’s rejection of nearly 80% of Indian student visas in 2025 has certainly raised concerns, but it reflects more of a course correction than a sudden closure. Canada is now focusing on attracting serious candidates who can clearly demonstrate their ability to contribute,” he said.

While acknowledging the blow to Canada’s ‘top-choice’ status, Arora emphasized that the country still appeals strongly to students aiming for top institutions and long-term careers.

Ritika Gupta, counsellor at AAera Consultants, however, feels that the consequences of these policies are as much psychological as procedural. “Canada’s collapse on student visas has diminished its credibility as a ‘first choice’. Gupta highlighted how students in 2025 are shifting to building strategy, leaving aside their emotional charge.

“In that space, Germany , Netherlands, Ireland, and Australia emerge as reasonable alternatives offering transparency, affordability, and more stable pathways to residency,” she said.

Also read US Student Visa: Universities could see fall 2025 intake drop by 1.5 lakh over uncertainties, says report

Study Abroad: Alternative foreign destinations

The Canadian crackdown is making international students increasingly turn to other study abroad destinations. Kamal Chhabra, founder of KC GlobEd, said while Canada’s visa policies have grown stricter, students should not lose hope.

“Numerous Indian students have been met with study visa rejections by the Canadian government based on tighter immigration policies, growing number of fraudulent applications , and doubts on the ability of colleges to offer quality teaching and accommodation,” he explained.

He also stressed that Indian students still have plenty of promising alternatives for higher education abroad. The USA, UK, Australia, Germany, and Ireland continue to be favoured with world-ranked universities, high-quality courses, and strong post-study work, he said, adding: “Germany, France, and Italy offer low-cost education, while Singapore and Dubai are becoming increasingly attractive for their proximity, security, and expanding academic infrastructure.”