Stricter visa rules hit Indian students as Canada closes doors

Canada’s strict visa policies have caused a dramatic drop in Indian student admissions, signaling a shift in global education preferences.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the country rejected 80% of Indian student visa applications in 2025, the highest in a decade. Applicants from Asia and Africa also faced increased rejections.

Data from the Canadian government shows only 1.88 lakh new Indian students were admitted in 2024, less than half the number recorded two years ago.

India’s students are also reconsidering their choices: Germany has overtaken Canada as the top destination, preferred by 31% of applicants, while Canada’s popularity fell from 18% in 2022 to 9% in 2024.

"For decades, the US and Canada have been global magnets for international students, and that continues. What we’re seeing is not rejection but fine-tuning, ensuring opportunities remain sustainable for both international and domestic talent," said Paneet Singh, AVP, University Partnerships, upGrad Study Abroad.

While the US has tightened visa regulations, Canada is now imposing stricter rules. Housing shortages, infrastructure pressures, and domestic political demands have forced Ottawa to act.

Students must now provide stronger financial proof, detailed study plans, and language test results. The minimum financial requirement has doubled to over CA$20,000.

Work rules have become stricter, language requirements for college graduates are tougher, and some post-graduation employment opportunities have been removed.

Ottawa has also closed the Student Direct Stream, a program previously designed for faster visa approvals.

In total, the government plans to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, nearly 10% less than last year, including 73,000 for postgraduates, 243,000 for undergraduates and others, and around 120,000 for renewals and school students.

The impact on students is significant. Families invest heavily in applications, tests, and fees, only to face disappointment.

For some, studying in Canada was a pathway to permanent residence, which now looks uncertain.

Universities relying on international tuition fees face financial strain, with smaller colleges at risk of closure or forced mergers.

"It is worthwhile to also note a lot of Top 50 US Universities have set up global campuses in the Middle East and APAC, amidst geopolitical tribulations and statutory challenges, thereby recognizing and creating opportunities for high-merit and high-research (intensive) students seeking access to high-quality academics and infrastructure," Singh added.

As Canada becomes less accessible, Germany is emerging as a preferred destination. Its low- or no-cost public universities, expanding English-language programs, and strong economy are attracting students.

Federal Statistical Office of Germany data shows Indian student enrollment has more than doubled in the last five years, reaching nearly 60,000 in 2025 from 49,500 in 2023.

Germany offers quality education in technology, management, and engineering at a lower cost of living compared to North America.

Policies are also more student-friendly, with defined career pathways and better retention opportunities.

Other countries like France, Finland, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and the Middle East are also becoming attractive alternatives.

"This is not so much about countries closing doors but more about a shift in demand. Indian students are increasingly looking towards destinations that have better pathways to employability and longer-term careers," said Singh.

The upGrad report suggests a larger rebalancing in global education. Traditional leaders such as the US, UK, and Canada are losing ground, while other countries gain appeal.

Experts note that India must improve its research intensity, currently just 0.7% of GDP versus a global average of 2.5%, to remain competitive.

Germany’s rise signals a new era in global education. For parents and students, the message is clear: studying abroad is no longer an automatic guarantee, and planning must now consider changing policies and emerging opportunities.