Nearly three out of every four Indian applicants for student permits to Canadian post-secondary institutions were denied approval in August 2025, according to government data. About 74% of study permit applications from India were rejected—up dramatically from 32% a year earlier.

In comparison, the overall global rejection rate remained steady at around 40% in both years. Chinese applicants also faced heightened scrutiny, with a 24% rejection rate in August 2025.

India, long the largest source of international students in Canada, recorded the highest refusal rate among countries with over 1,000 accepted applicants. Additionally, Indian applications plummeted from about 20,900 in August 2023 to just over 4,500 in August 2025.

Visa Clampdown Amid Diplomatic Strains

The spike in refusals comes as Canada continues tightening its international study permit regulations for the second consecutive year, citing concerns over fraud and growing numbers of temporary migrants.

Relations between India and Canada have also cooled. In 2023, then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that there were “credible allegations” linking the Indian government to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed the claims as “absurd” and accused Canada of harbouring anti-India elements.

Fraud Drives Tougher Screening

Fraudulent admission letters—many originating from India—have raised alarms in Canadian immigration circles. Nearly 1,550 fake applications linked to Indian students were discovered in 2023. Enhanced checks in 2024 flagged over 14,000 potentially fraudulent acceptance letters across all applicants.

As part of its response, Canada has increased financial proof requirements and improved document verification systems.

The Indian High Commission acknowledged awareness of the rejections but noted that visa decisions remain Canada’s prerogative. It added that “some of the best quality students in the world are from India,” and that Canadian institutions have benefitted from their academic excellence.

Impact on Canadian Campuses

The University of Waterloo—home to Canada’s largest engineering school—has seen the number of Indian students fall by two-thirds in recent years, according to Associate Vice-President Ian VanderBurgh. Similar trends have been noted at other institutions like the University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan.

Visa experts say applicants now need to present stronger evidence of financial eligibility, including verified sources of funds.

Changing Sentiment Among Students

Jaspreet Singh, founder of the International Sikh Students Association, said that while the visa crackdown was likely necessary, it has changed students’ perceptions. Some of those denied visas are now relieved, as securing permanent residency or work in Canada grows increasingly difficult.