Copyright timesnownews
In August 2025, Canada rejected a staggering 74% of Indian student visa applications, marking the highest refusal rate worldwide. This significant increase from 32% in August 2023 highlights a troubling trend for Indian students seeking education in Canada, according to official immigration data. Decline in Applications The number of Indian applicants has also seen a dramatic decline, plummeting from 20,900 in August 2023 to just 4,515 in August 2025. This sharp drop indicates a growing concern among potential students about the likelihood of obtaining a visa to study in Canada. The rejection rate for Indian applicants starkly contrasts with the global average, where approximately 40% of all student permit applications were denied during the same period. Notably, the rejection rate for Chinese students stood at only 24%. Diplomatic Tensions Tensions escalated last year when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the assassination of a Canadian Sikh separatist leader, a claim India has vehemently denied. These diplomatic strains have seemingly influenced the processing of student visa applications, resulting in heightened scrutiny. Increased Fraud Detection Canada’s immigration department has intensified its fraud detection measures, responding to the discovery of over 1,550 fraudulent study permit applications linked to forged acceptance letters from Indian agents in 2023. In 2024, authorities flagged more than 14,000 potentially fraudulent documents globally. Consequently, Canada has raised financial requirements for international students, further complicating the application process for those from India. Impact on Canadian Universities The ramifications of these rejections are being felt across Canadian universities, which are experiencing a notable decline in Indian enrolments. For instance, the University of Waterloo, which hosts the country’s largest engineering school, has reported a two-thirds decrease in the number of Indian students entering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes over the past four years. Ian VanderBurgh, associate vice-president for strategic enrolment management at Waterloo, attributed this decline to the government’s cap on foreign student visas, which has altered the university’s student demographic. In light of the high rejection rates, the Indian Embassy in Ottawa expressed concern while emphasising the talent and academic excellence that Indian students bring to Canadian universities. “Canadian universities have long benefitted from Indian students’ talent and academic excellence,” stated an embassy representative. Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed Ottawa’s commitment to welcoming Indian students but stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how both nations will navigate these complex challenges affecting student mobility. With tightened regulations and diplomatic tensions, prospective Indian students may need to explore alternative destinations for their education. Future of Indian Students in Canada The ongoing visa rejection crisis raises critical questions about the future of Indian students in Canada. As universities adapt to changing demographics and immigration policies, students may find themselves reassessing their options for international education. (With inputs from PTI)
