Canada Cuts Indian Student Visas by 31% in 2025 Amid New Visa Rules: What You Need to Know

In 2025, Canada significantly reduced the number of student visas issued to Indian nationals, marking a sharp 31% drop compared to the same period in 2024. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Indian students in Canada received only 30,640 study permits in the first quarter of 2025, down from 44,295 a year earlier.

This decline is part of a broader 20% decrease in total international study permits, which fell from 121,070 in early 2024 to 96,015 in 2025. Canada new immigration rules 2025 have disproportionately impacted Indian students, who historically made up over a third of Canada’s international student population.

Key Policy Changes Behind the Decline:

1. Annual Permit Cap: As part of the new framework under Canada student visa 2025 regulations, a nationwide cap of 437,000 study permits was introduced, down from 485,000 in 2024. This cap is expected to remain in effect until at least 2026.
   
   
2. Increased Financial Proof: Effective January 1, 2024, students must demonstrate access to at least CA$20,635 (approximately ₹12.7 lakh) in funds for living expenses, a sharp increase from the previous CA$10,000.
   
   
3. Enhanced Screening Measures: The Canadian government introduced stricter verification steps to ensure the legitimacy of applications under the Canada study permit for Indian students category, aiming to prevent misuse.

Impact of Canada’s New Visa Rules on Indian Students:

Indian students, who have historically formed a large part of the international student demographic in Canada, are facing significant hurdles due to Canada new immigration rules 2025. In 2024, Canada issued 188,465 study permits to Indian nationals, accounting for about 36% of all international student permits.

Under the current policy, meeting the increased financial and documentation standards has become a challenge. As a result, many Indian students are reevaluating their plans to study in Canada in 2025, with some shifting their focus to other countries like Germany and the Netherlands.

Broader Context of Canada’s New Visa Rules

These measures are part of Canada's broader strategy to manage the inflow of temporary residents, including international students and workers, aiming to reduce their share to 5% of the population by 2027. These decisions are driven by mounting pressure on housing, healthcare, and public infrastructure.

Conclusion

While study in Canada in 2025 still remains a dream for many, the path has become more selective and competitive. With tighter caps and higher eligibility thresholds under the Canada student visa 2025 program, Indian students must now plan well in advance, or consider alternative global education hubs.