Canada Visa 2024: International Students Face Shocking Rejections

In the recent Canada student visa news, the student visa application of Indian students who had already accepted their acceptance letters have been rejected. A recent report from the Toronto Star involves around half the total number of Indian students whose Canada student visa application has been denied by the visa officers.

This significant spike in the rejection rate for Canada student visas is highly impacting students from India who have received their acceptance letters from the universities. The predominant reasons cited for most of these rejections are categorized as "other" and "unspecified," a trend observed especially among Indian students. Reports indicate a staggering 40% rejection rate for student visas for Canada from India. Being a leading contributor for international students in Canada, the statistics show that around 320,000 active study permits in the country are from India.

Between January 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023, Canada's Immigration Department greenlit 54.3% (more than 4.70 lakh) of over 8.66 lakh study permit applicants accepted by designated learning institutions (DLIs) - schools authorized by provincial or territorial governments to host international students. Notably, all primary and secondary schools in Canada fall under DLIs.

A June 2023 report from the Investigative Journalism Foundation revealed that nearly 40% of student visa applications from India faced rejection, citing "other" and "unspecified" reasons since 2011.

Canada boasts a substantial international student population, with over 2.20 lakh Indian students constituting 41% of the total intake. These students contribute significantly, with an estimated total expenditure of $11.7 billion, covering $6 billion in academic fees, $3 billion for accommodation, and $2.7 billion on other living necessities, as per the 'Beyond Beds & Boundaries: Indian Student Mobility Report, 2023.

The Toronto Star highlighted that certain Canada student visa applications may be declined due to applicants' inability to meet financial requirements for their studies. Rejections may also stem from concerns about an applicant's intention to depart Canada after their status expires. Other grounds for denial encompass incomplete applications, missed payments, or the submission of fraudulent documents. 

In the past few months, Canada's Immigration Department has taken steps to enhance scrutiny of Canada visa applications and prevent fraud. Notably, in December 2023, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed a new measure. Designated learning institutions (DLIs) are now mandated to independently verify each applicant's letter of acceptance directly with the IRCC.

For the fall 2024 semester, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the adoption of a "recognized institution" framework. This move aims to favour post-secondary designated learning institutions (DLIs) that adhere to elevated standards in services, support, and outcomes for international students.