Canada Study Visa Rejections at 10-Year High; 81% from India
Recent data shows a significant decrease in student visa approvals in Canada, with a 70% drop in the first half of 2025.
Study in Canada: It’s not the greatest news for international students looking to study in Canada. This year, there’s been a dramatic 70% cut in student visa approvals compared to last year. If you’re from India, you’ve likely noticed an even tougher landscape, with an 81% rejection rate—the highest in over a decade. Between January and June 2025, Canada issued 88,617 fewer student visas than during the same period last year. This wasn’t just a minor change; the numbers dropped from 125,034 new international students in early 2024 to only 36,417 in early 2025. That’s a big shift!
The Canadian government aimed to reduce overall student permits by 10%, but the actual decrease has been far more pronounced, affecting not only student visas but also temporary work permits. Altogether, Canada cut over 214,520 permits in these categories as part of an effort to relieve pressure on housing and healthcare.
Canada Student Visa: Indian Applicants Affected the Most
The policy changes have hit Indian students particularly hard. A report shows that 81% of Indian applications were rejected last December, mainly due to financial concerns, risk assessments, and doubts about program credibility. This is a tough pill to swallow, and many are feeling the impact of such a high refusal rate.
According to immigration lawyer Steven Meurrens, the decline in visa approvals is staggering. He noted that while the goal was only a 10% reduction, they’ve actually seen a drop closer to 70%—definitely more than anyone anticipated.
Study Visa Canada: A Call for a Reset
Experts are weighing in, suggesting that these rejections indicate a shift in Canada’s immigration priorities rather than a total ban on international students. Saurabh Arora, founder of University Living, commented that this apparent rejection surge should be viewed as a “reset.” He believes that Canada is now more focused on attracting students who can clearly demonstrate their potential to contribute positively to the country.
While it’s challenging for Canada’s reputation as a preferred study destination, the country remains a great fit for students who are serious about their futures. However, many experts believe this shift has had psychological repercussions, making students also question Canada’s status as a top choice for their education. Some are now looking to countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia, which are perceived to offer more stable pathways to residency.
Study Abroad: Exploring Alternative Destinations
If you’re an international student, don’t lose hope! While Canada’s policies may have tightened, there are still numerous options available for higher education abroad. Kamal Chhabra, founder of KC GlobEd, highlights that many students are now exploring alternatives, including favoured institutions in the USA, UK, Australia, and Germany—countries that offer high-quality courses and post-study work opportunities.
In fact, places like Germany, France, and Italy are gaining popularity for their low-cost education, while Singapore and Dubai attract students with their proximity and expanding academic infrastructures. So, if you’re feeling unsure about getting a student visa for Canada, why not cast a wider net? There are plenty of exciting options out there!
If you’re exploring job opportunities from overseas, you’ll find that every listing on VisaJobsCanada.com includes visa support. This means if you do decide to study and work in Canada, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the job market.
What do you think?
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