Canada's Visa Rejection Rate for Indian Students Spikes to 74% Amid Fraud Crackdown

Canada rejected 74% of study permit applications from Indian students in August 2025, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The rate was 32% during the same month in 2023. Overall, about 40% of study permit applications from all nationalities were refused this year, while China’s rejection rate stood at 24%.

Drop in Indian Applications

Applications from India fell sharply over the past year. In August 2023, there were about 20,900 applications from India, compared to just 4,515 in August 2025. Despite the decline, India remains Canada’s largest source of international students, but now faces the highest refusal rate among countries with more than 1,000 approved permits.

Impact of Policy Changes

The Canadian government has tightened student visa rules since 2024. A national cap on study permits was introduced that year, followed by another 10% reduction in 2025. Authorities also made acceptance letter verification mandatory and increased proof-of-funds requirements. These steps aim to address fraudulent admissions and control temporary migration levels.

Crackdown on Fake Documents

In 2023, Canadian authorities identified about 1,550 student visa applications connected to fake admission letters, most of them from India. In 2024, over 14,000 potentially fraudulent letters were flagged through the new verification system. Officials said the upgraded checks were necessary to maintain the integrity of student immigration programs.

Fewer International Arrivals

Between January and August 2025, international student arrivals to Canada dropped by more than 132,000. Only 45,380 students entered the country in August. Universities have reported visible declines in student numbers, especially from India.

Diplomatic Strain Continues

The high rejection rate also comes amid ongoing diplomatic tension between Ottawa and New Delhi, following a dispute in 2023 over the killing of a Canadian citizen.

Read More: US Resumes H1B Visa Application Processing After Shutdown: What You Need to Know?

Conclusion

With stricter verification and reduced visa caps, Canada has seen fewer Indian students entering its universities, marking a major shift in international education trends between the two countries.

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