Why Canada Is Denying Indian Student Visas At A Record Rate
Canada, once a highly preferred destination for Indian students, has significantly reduced its approval rate for study visas. Government data shows that in August, nearly 75% of Indian applications to study in Canadian post-secondary institutions were denied. The country’s recent crackdown on international student numbers is impacting Indian applicants more than any other group.
This comes after Canada lowered the intake of international students for the second year in a row in early 2025. The move is part of its strategy to reduce temporary migration and combat student visa fraud.
According to Reuters, Canada rejected around 74% of Indian permit requests in August 2025, a steep rise from the 32% rejection rate recorded in August 2023. In comparison, around 40% of total study permit applicants were denied in both years, while rejection for Chinese students stood at around 24% in August 2025.
There has also been a drastic drop in applications from India from 20,900 in August 2023 to just 4,515 in August 2025, indicating waning interest and increased challenges for Indian students.
For many years, India has remained Canada’s largest source of international students. The Indian embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the rising visa refusals but noted that granting permits remains a decision solely under Canadian authorities.
The embassy reiterated its stance, saying:
“However, we would like to emphasise that some of the best quality students available in the world are from India, and Canadian institutions have in the past greatly benefited from the talent and academic excellence of these students,” it said in a statement provided to Reuters.
Why is Canada Rejecting More Indian Applications?
In 2023, Canadian authorities uncovered around 1,550 fraudulent study permit applications, many of which involved fake letters of acceptance traced back to India. The immigration department revealed that its enhanced verification system flagged over 14,000 suspected fake acceptance letters in applications submitted last year.
A departmental spokesperson confirmed that Canada has now strengthened document checks and raised financial eligibility requirements for international students.
Canada’s foreign affairs minister Anita Anand told the news agency during a recent visit to India that, while the country is focused on safeguarding the integrity of its immigration system, it still welcomes Indian students who wish to pursue education in Canada.
This comes after Canada lowered the intake of international students for the second year in a row in early 2025. The move is part of its strategy to reduce temporary migration and combat student visa fraud.
According to Reuters, Canada rejected around 74% of Indian permit requests in August 2025, a steep rise from the 32% rejection rate recorded in August 2023. In comparison, around 40% of total study permit applicants were denied in both years, while rejection for Chinese students stood at around 24% in August 2025.
There has also been a drastic drop in applications from India from 20,900 in August 2023 to just 4,515 in August 2025, indicating waning interest and increased challenges for Indian students.
For many years, India has remained Canada’s largest source of international students. The Indian embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the rising visa refusals but noted that granting permits remains a decision solely under Canadian authorities.
The embassy reiterated its stance, saying:
“However, we would like to emphasise that some of the best quality students available in the world are from India, and Canadian institutions have in the past greatly benefited from the talent and academic excellence of these students,” it said in a statement provided to Reuters.
Why is Canada Rejecting More Indian Applications?
In 2023, Canadian authorities uncovered around 1,550 fraudulent study permit applications, many of which involved fake letters of acceptance traced back to India. The immigration department revealed that its enhanced verification system flagged over 14,000 suspected fake acceptance letters in applications submitted last year.
A departmental spokesperson confirmed that Canada has now strengthened document checks and raised financial eligibility requirements for international students.
Canada’s foreign affairs minister Anita Anand told the news agency during a recent visit to India that, while the country is focused on safeguarding the integrity of its immigration system, it still welcomes Indian students who wish to pursue education in Canada.
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