Canada Turns Away Indian Students As Visa Refusal Rate Doubles In One Year: Here's What Report Reveals

Nearly three out of every four Indian applications for student permits to Canadian post-secondary institutions were rejected in August this year, marking a dramatic increase from a year ago. According to data accessed by Reuters from Canada’s immigration department, 74 per cent of Indian applicants were denied study permits in August 2025, compared to 32 per cent in August 2023.

The overall rejection rate across all countries remained at around 40 per cent during the same period, while 24 per cent of Chinese applicants faced rejections this year.

Sharp Drop In Indian Applications

The steep rise in visa refusals has coincided with a notable fall in applications from India. Official figures show that the number of Indian students applying for study permits fell from over 20,900 in August 2023 to just 4,515 in August 2025. India, long the largest source of international students in Canada, also recorded the highest rejection rate among countries with more than 1,000 approved applicants.

The surge in refusals follows Ottawa’s move to tighten international student visa rules for the second consecutive year. Canadian authorities have said the measures aim to limit temporary migration and tackle rising cases of fraud.

The developments come against the backdrop of strained India-Canada relations, which worsened in 2023 when then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi dismissed the charge as “absurd” and demanded action against anti-India elements operating in Canada.

Indian Embassy Reacts

Canadian immigration officials have been on alert since 2023, when they uncovered around 1,550 fraudulent college admission letters, mostly linked to Indian applicants. A year later, improved verification systems detected more than 14,000 potentially fake acceptance letters among all applications.

In response, Canada has enhanced verification procedures, introduced higher financial documentation requirements, and increased scrutiny of applicants’ funding sources. “It’s no longer enough to show bank statements,” said Michael Pietrocarlo of Border Pass, a Canadian visa consultancy. “Applicants must prove where the money came from and how they plan to support themselves.”

Acknowledging reports of rising rejections, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa said the matter had been brought to its attention but stressed that issuing study permits was Canada’s prerogative. “Some of the best quality students in the world are from India,” the embassy said, adding that Canadian institutions have long benefited from their “talent and academic excellence.”

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During her visit to India in October, Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Ottawa remained committed to welcoming Indian students but would continue safeguarding “the integrity of its immigration system.”

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As Canada’s once-favoured study destination grows tougher to access, experts say Indian students are increasingly exploring alternative destinations such as Australia, the UK, and Germany.

With inputs from agency.