In early 2025, Canada reduced the number of student visas given to Indian applicants by nearly one-third.
Canada has always been a favorite destination for Indian students. Its high-quality education and better job opportunities have made it a top choice. But in early 2025, that dream got harder to reach. Study permits for Indian students dropped by 31% in the first three months of 2025.
In early 2024, Canada issued 44,295 permits to Indian students. In the same period in 2025, the number fell to 30,640. These new figures show how recent changes in Canada’s immigration rules are affecting students from India.
New Rules, Stricter Limits
Canada is now issuing fewer study permits overall. In 2024, over 121,000 permits were approved in the first quarter. This year, only about 96,000 were given out.
The Canadian government wants to limit temporary migration. It plans to keep the number of international students and workers below 5% of its population by 2027. These steps aim to reduce pressure on housing, hospitals, and public services.
Main Reasons Behind the Drop
1. Study Permit Caps
Canada has reduced the number of yearly study permits. The cap for 2025 is 437,000, down from 485,000 last year. This cap will remain until at least 2026. Indian students, who make up the largest group, are seeing the biggest impact.
2. Higher Financial Demands
From January 2024, international students must show they have CA$20,635 (₹12.7 lakh) to cover living costs. Earlier, it was only CA$10,000. This increase makes it tough for many Indian students to qualify.
3. Stricter Checks
Since December 2023, Canadian schools must confirm each student’s acceptance letter. This step aims to stop fake applications. But it has also added delays and extra steps.
Indian Students Still Lead, But Numbers Are Falling
Even with the drop, Indian students remain the biggest group in Canada. In 2023, 278,045 Indian students had study permits. That number dropped to 188,465 in 2024, even before the new rules began. Now in 2025, things have become even more difficult.
What This Means for Students
Money Worries
Students now need to show more money for their living costs. With tuition added, the total cost becomes very high.
Harder Path to Stay
Many Indian students choose Canada because of the chance to settle there later. But fewer study permits mean fewer chances for work permits and permanent residency.
Tougher Competition
Fewer permits mean more students fighting for the same spots. Getting accepted and approved for a visa is harder now.
Looking Elsewhere
Some students are now choosing other countries. Places like Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand are becoming more popular.
How to Prepare Better
Global Student Landscape Is Changing
As Canada tightens its rules, students are shifting their focus. Other countries are stepping in with better offers. Students today must stay informed and ready to adjust their plans.
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