Canada Denies 62 % of Student Visas in 2025

Canada has adopted its strictest stance on international education in ten years, rejecting 62% of student visa applications in 2025, according to official data. The move comes amid rising concerns over fraudulent applications, housing shortages, and mounting pressure on public services.

The government has also capped study permits at 437,000 for 2025, marking a 10% cut from last year. This is part of a broader strategy to reduce the share of temporary residents to 5% of Canada’s population by 2026.

Indian students, who make up the largest share of applicants, have been hit the hardest. In the first quarter of 2025, the number of permits issued to Indian nationals fell by 31%, dropping from 44,295 in 2024 to 30,650 this year.

The policy shift is now affecting both students and universities. Thousands of applicants face financial and emotional setbacks, while many Canadian institutions dependent on international tuition revenues report declining enrollments.

Analysts warn that Canada’s image as a global education hub could be at risk if rejection rates remain this high.