Canada Rejects 74% of Indian Visa Applications Amid Tighter Rules and Political Tensions
New Delhi / Ottawa (The Uttam Hindu): In a major setback for Indian applicants, Canada has reportedly rejected nearly 74% of visa applications from India in the past few months, marking one of the sharpest declines in approval rates in recent years. The surge in rejections comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions and stricter immigration screening procedures introduced by Canadian authorities.
According to data from immigration consultants and travel agencies, a large portion of the rejected applications belonged to student and visitor visa categories. Officials cite incomplete documentation, financial inconsistencies, and concerns over intent to return as the key reasons behind the spike in refusals.
The situation worsened after the India–Canada diplomatic standoff earlier this year, following allegations made by Canadian authorities in connection with the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While Ottawa denies any political link to visa processing delays, experts believe that heightened security vetting and political strain have indirectly affected Indian applicants.
“The rejection rate has become unusually high. Many genuine students and families are facing refusals despite fulfilling all requirements,” said a Delhi-based immigration consultant.
Analysts note that Canada’s new immigration policies prioritize domestic labor needs and long-term migrants with permanent residency prospects, thereby tightening approval for short-term study and travel visas. Additionally, a recent report by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed that fraudulent documentation and fake admission offers from unregulated agents in India have prompted stricter background checks.
The decline has particularly impacted students planning to join the January 2026 intake. Several universities and colleges in Canada are reportedly concerned about declining enrollments from India, which has traditionally been their largest source of international students.
In response, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa has urged students and travelers to apply only through verified portals and authorized agents, emphasizing that proper documentation and transparency remain critical to successful approval.