Canada Tightens Student Visas As Indians Face Record Rejections

India-West News Desk

TORONTO – Canada’s tightened immigration rules are taking a heavy toll on Indian students, with rejection rates for study permits soaring amid mounting concerns over fraud linked to student visa applications, Agence France-Presse reported.

According to recent government data, nearly 74 percent of Indian applicants for Canadian study permits were denied in August 2025, compared to 32 percent in the same month last year. Overall, about 40 percent of all international student applications were rejected, while the refusal rate for Chinese applicants stood at 24 percent.

The decline in approvals has been matched by a steep drop in applications. Only 4,515 Indian students applied for study permits in August 2025—down sharply from more than 20,000 in August 2023, when India accounted for over one-fourth of all international student applications to Canada.

The downturn follows revelations of widespread fraud in the student visa system. In 2023, Canadian authorities uncovered nearly 1,550 fraudulent study permit applications tied to fake letters of acceptance, most originating from India, AFP said. Last year, an upgraded verification system flagged more than 14,000 potentially fake letters from applicants worldwide.

In response, Canada has strengthened its verification procedures and increased financial requirements for prospective international students. The Indian embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the surge in rejections but noted that study permit decisions remain the prerogative of the Canadian government.

During an October visit to India, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Ottawa remains committed to welcoming Indian students while ensuring the integrity of its immigration system.