Canada Tightens Student Visa Rules: 80% of Indian Applicants Rejected in 2025

New Delhi, September 8, 2025 – In a major policy shift, Canada has rejected up to 80% of Indian student visa applications in 2025, as part of its broader effort to tighten international student entry rules. According to new data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the overall student visa rejection rate has climbed to 62%, the highest in the past 10 years.

This development comes as a blow to thousands of Indian students aspiring to study in Canada in 2026, a country that has traditionally been among the most popular destinations for higher education abroad.

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Canada Student Visa Rejection Reasons

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Why Are Canada Student Visas Being Rejected in 2025?

The Canadian government has introduced multiple policy changes aimed at regulating the surge in international student numbers. Key changes include:

• A 10% reduction in Canada study permits, now capped at 437,000 for 2025.
• Closure of fast-track visa programs like the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
• Stricter financial documentation requirements for all student visa applicants.

Read More: Canada Ends SDS

Revised eligibility for post-study work permits:

• University graduates must meet B2 level English/French proficiency.
• College graduates need a minimum B1 level.
• Students switching to non-approved programs risk losing post-graduation work eligibility.

Check Out: Canada PR Requirements for Indian Students

These changes are part of Canada's ongoing efforts to crack down on visa fraud and better manage international student flows.

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Indian Students Hit Hardest by Visa Rejections

India, which accounted for over 41% of international students in Canada in 2024, is the most affected by the new rules. Although country-specific data has not been officially released, education consultants report that visa rejection rates for Indian students are now at 80% — significantly higher than in previous years.

This surge in rejections is expected to cause a major shift in how Indian students approach overseas education, especially for those considering Canada as a study destination in 2025 and 2026.

Canada Study Permit Breakdown for 2025

According to IRCC, the 437,000 approved study permits for 2025 are divided as follows:

• 243,000 for undergraduate and other academic programs
• 73,000 for postgraduate students
• 120,000 for renewals and K-12 students

The new permit cap is likely to intensify competition and pressure on applicants to meet tougher visa and academic requirements.

Check Out: Admission to Universities in Canada

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What Should Indian Students Planning to Study in Canada Do Now?

Students looking to study in Canada in 2026 are advised to:

• Start visa and admission processes early
• Choose designated learning institutions (DLIs) only
• Meet or exceed required language proficiency levels
• Prepare strong financial and academic documentation
• Avoid switching to non-approved programs after admission

With the increasing uncertainty around Canada student visas, Indian students are also exploring other study abroad destinations such as the UK, Australia, Germany, and Ireland, where visa policies remain relatively stable. As Canada imposes stricter visa rules in 2025, the road to studying in the country is becoming more competitive — especially for Indian students. Those planning to pursue higher education in Canada must be better prepared, better informed, and more strategic than ever before.