Canada Rejects 80% of Indian Student Visas in 2025 Amid Stricter Rules

Canada: Canada has tightened its international student visa rules, resulting in record rejection rates, particularly affecting Indian applicants. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows 62% of student visas overall were denied in 2025, up from 52% in 2024. Indian students faced the highest impact, with around 80% of applications rejected.

Why Visas Are Being Denied

• Increased scrutiny on financial proof, now requiring CA$20,635 (~₹14 lakh).
• Mandatory error-free documentation and detailed study plans.
• Stricter requirements for post-graduation work permits:University grads must show B2 English/French
• College grads require B1 level
• Students in unapproved programmes no longer qualify

Student Direct Stream, which provided faster visas, has been shut down.

Impact on Students and Institutions

Students face financial and emotional strain after preparing documents and paying fees.

Universities and colleges, dependent on international tuition, now face uncertainty in enrolments.

Canada plans to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, 10% fewer than last year.