Canadian study permit rejections are significantly impacting Indian applicants, marking a concerning shift for students aspiring to study in Canada. Previously a top choice for quality education and post-graduation opportunities, Canada is now facing increased scrutiny and higher refusal rates for Indian nationals seeking to obtain study permits. This trend has led to a notable decline in the appeal of Canadian institutions for many.
Data reveals that India has consistently been the primary source of international students for Canada for over a decade. However, recent reports indicate that Canada now has the highest study permit refusal rate among countries with over 1,000 approved applicants. This situation is a stark contrast to previous years and is causing concern among prospective students and educational consultants.
The Canadian government has acknowledged the increased rejection rates, stating that the issuance of study permits is within Canada’s jurisdiction. This response comes as the country implements new measures to manage temporary migration and combat student visa fraud. These efforts have led to a significant reduction in the number of study permits being issued.
Official figures show a dramatic rise in rejections for Indian applicants. In August 2025, nearly 74% of study permit applications from India were refused, a substantial increase from approximately 32% in August of the previous year. Overall, around 40% of all study permit applications faced refusal, with Chinese applicants also experiencing a significant rejection rate of 24%.
The number of Indian applicants seeking to study in Canada has also seen a sharp decline. In August 2023, the figure stood at 20,900, but by August 2025, it had dropped to just 4,515. This substantial decrease underscores the growing challenges faced by Indian students.
The tightening of visa policies coincides with ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, though the government maintains that the visa crackdown is primarily focused on immigration management and fraud prevention. In 2023, authorities identified numerous fraudulent study permit applications, many linked to fake acceptance letters originating from India. Enhanced verification systems are now in place to detect such irregularities, leading to stricter examination of all applications and an increased financial requirement for prospective students.