Aspiring Indian students are encountering unprecedented challenges in obtaining Canadian study permits, as recent policy changes lead to a dramatic surge in visa rejections. Canada’s reputation as a premier destination for international education is being tested by these new restrictions, impacting a long-standing demographic of students.
For more than ten years, India has consistently supplied the largest cohort of international students to Canada. Yet, recent statistics reveal a concerning trend: Canada now exhibits the highest study permit refusal rate among countries with over 1,000 approved applicants. This statistic is a significant indicator of the evolving visa landscape for Indian nationals.
Canadian authorities are aware of the escalating rejection rates and have reiterated that the decision to grant study permits is solely within Canada’s purview. This position is being communicated as the country implements measures to control temporary migration and combat fraudulent applications within its student visa program.
The figures underscore the severity of the situation. In August 2025, a staggering 74% of study permit applications submitted by Indian nationals were denied. This represents a substantial increase from the approximately 32% rejection rate observed in August of the preceding year. On a broader scale, nearly 40% of all study permit applications were refused, with China also experiencing a notable 24% rejection rate.
Beyond rejection rates, the number of Indian applicants has also seen a sharp decline. Applications from India dropped from 20,900 in August 2023 to just 4,515 by August 2025, indicating a significant deterrent effect from the current visa climate.
The increased visa scrutiny is happening amid diplomatic considerations, though the Canadian government emphasizes its commitment to visa integrity. Last year, authorities identified thousands of fraudulent study permit applications, many associated with fabricated acceptance letters, with a notable origin from India. Consequently, Canada has bolstered its verification processes and raised the financial threshold for prospective students to ensure the legitimacy of applications.