The number of international student permits issued to Indian applicants in Canada has dropped significantly, with a decline of over 93 percent in the past two years. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicates that from January to August this year, only 9,955 permits were approved for Indian students. This is a stark contrast to 149,875 permits issued during the same period in 2023 and 76,930 in 2022.

This decline is part of a broader trend in Canada, which has reduced the total number of student permits by 10 percent this year, capping the total at 437,000. This marks the second consecutive year of reductions, driven by concerns over the impact of high immigration levels on healthcare, education, and housing costs.

In 2023, Indian students accounted for approximately 35 percent of all foreign student visa applicants. However, current figures show that they now represent just under 17 percent of the reduced applicant pool. Additionally, the rejection rate for Indian applicants has increased significantly. This year, 71 percent of Indian applicants were denied permits, compared to an average rejection rate of 58 percent for applicants from all countries. Last year, only 23 percent of Indian applicants faced rejection, while the overall rate was 52 percent.

A spokesperson for IRCC noted, "While refusal rates for study permits from India have increased, it is important to note that global approval rates have also declined." In 2023, Canadian authorities identified 1,550 study permit applications linked to fraudulent acceptance letters, primarily from India. The previous year, over 14,000 potentially fraudulent letters were detected across all applicants.

The IRCC spokesperson emphasized that all study permit applications are evaluated based on the same criteria, regardless of the applicant's country. They stated, "Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, based on the information the applicant has provided in their application. The onus is on the applicant to provide accurate information that is sufficient to satisfy an officer that they meet the requirements for a study permit."

Changes to the International Student Program aimed at enhancing its integrity may have contributed to the increased refusal rates. These changes include a verification process requiring post-secondary institutions to confirm acceptance letters directly with IRCC and higher financial requirements for students.

The spokesperson also mentioned that the increase in refusal rates coincided with the phase-out of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in late 2024, which had historically offered higher approval rates due to its streamlined nature. The SDS was available to applicants from India.

The Indian embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the rise in study permit rejections but stated that the issuance of permits is ultimately Canada's decision. They emphasized the quality of Indian students, noting, "Some of the best quality students available in the world are from India, and Canadian institutions have in the past greatly benefited from the talent and academic excellence of these students."

According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Indian students comprised 39 percent of all foreign students in Canada last year, with China following at 10 percent. Despite recent declines, Canada had previously experienced steady growth in international student visas, alongside rising tuition fees for foreign students, which have increased significantly compared to domestic rates. In 2007, the average tuition for international students was $11,093, compared to $4,400 for domestic students. By 2024, these figures had risen to $22,061 for international students and $7,076 for domestic students.

During a recent visit to India, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed Canada's desire to maintain opportunities for Indian students while ensuring the integrity of its immigration system.