80% Rejection Rate for Indian Students: Canada's New Visa Rules Take a Toll

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Canada's student visa landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with a record 62% of student visa applications rejected in 2025. This marks a substantial increase from the 52% rejection rate last year and far exceeds the 40% average of previous years.

Key Statistics

1. Rejection Rate: 62% of student visa applications rejected in 2025

2. Indian Applicants: 80% rejection rate for Indian students, the highest among all nationalities

3. Financial Proof: Minimum financial proof requirement doubled to CA$20,635 ($14,963)

4. Study Permits: Canada plans to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, a 10% decrease from last year

New Rules and Regulations

1. Language Requirements: University graduates must present English or French language test results at B2 level or above, while college graduates require at least B1 level

2. Post-Graduation Work Permits: Students moving to unapproved programs will no longer qualify for post-study work permits

3. Student Direct Stream: The fast-track program for students from 14 countries has been eliminated

Impact on Students and Universities

1. Financial Strain: Students and families face significant financial and emotional strain due to the abrupt shift in policy

2. Uncertainty Over Enrolments: Universities and colleges reliant on international tuition fees confront uncertainty over future enrolments

3. Drop in Study Permit Applications: Study visa applications plummeted 46% in 2024, with only 469,000 applications received

Reasons Behind the Surge in Refusals

1. Domestic Pressures: Housing shortages, infrastructure stress, and concerns about financial sustainability have led to stricter scrutiny of study permit applications

2. Stricter Policies: Immigration caps and tighter immigration policies have resulted in increased rejection rates.