Canada Slashes Indian Student Visas By 31% In 2025
In a significant move, Canada has reduced the number of student visas issued to Indian nationals by 31% in the first quarter of 2025. Only 30,640 study permits were granted between January and March 2025, down from 44,295 in the same period last year.
This reduction is part of a broader effort to limit temporary migration. Under Prime Minister Mark Carney, the government aims to cap temporary residents, including students, at 5% of Canada’s population by 2027 or 2028.
The goal is to ease pressure on Canada’s housing market, healthcare system, and transportation infrastructure, which have struggled to accommodate record levels of immigration and a surge in international students.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has set a study permit cap of 437,000 for 2025, down from 485,000 the previous year. This cap is expected to remain in place through 2026. Overall, international study permits dropped to 96,015 in Q1 2025, from 121,070 the year before.
Indian students have been disproportionately affected. They have been the largest group of international students in Canada since 2018. In 2023, Indians received 278,045 study permits out of 681,155 issued. This number fell to 188,465 out of 516,275 in 2024.
The new rules also double the financial requirements for applicants, making it harder for many prospective students to qualify. The government says these measures are meant to “stabilize” the situation and ensure Canada can support its international student population sustainably.
These policies are expected to continue at least through 2026. Canada’s new immigration approach reflects a growing focus on addressing domestic concerns over capacity and resource strain.
Broader Implications and Long-Term Goals
The 31% drop in Indian student visas is part of a broader strategy to cap temporary residents, including students, at 5% of Canada’s population by 2027 or 2028. This policy, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, aims to address the strain on essential services such as housing, healthcare, and transportation, which have struggled to accommodate record immigration levels and a rapid influx of international students.
The government has emphasized that these measures are part of a multi-year plan to ensure Canada can sustainably support its international student population without overburdening domestic resources. The new study permit cap of 437,000 for 2025, down from 485,000 in the previous year, reflects this strategic approach. This cap is expected to remain in place through 2026, signaling a long-term commitment to stabilizing the system.
The crackdown on temporary migration also extends to other categories of foreign nationals, including temporary workers, as part of a comprehensive effort to manage population growth and resource allocation. By implementing these restrictions, the Canadian government hopes to relieve pressure on key sectors and create a more balanced immigration system.
These changes are anticipated to last at least through 2026, as Canada seeks to address domestic concerns over capacity and resource strain. The new policies reflect a growing focus on ensuring that immigration levels align with the country’s ability to provide adequate housing, healthcare, and transportation for both residents and international students.
Conclusion
Canada’s decision to reduce Indian student visas by 31% in 2025 marks a significant shift in its immigration policy. This move, part of a broader strategy to cap temporary residents at 5% of the population by 2027 or 2028, aims to alleviate pressure on housing, healthcare, and transportation. The government has set a study permit cap of 437,000 for 2025, down from 485,000 the previous year, signaling a long-term commitment to managing immigration sustainably.
Indian students, who have been the largest group of international students in Canada since 2018, have been disproportionately affected. The new policies, including doubled financial requirements, reflect a focus on stabilizing the system and ensuring resources are not overburdened. These changes are expected to continue through at least 2026, highlighting Canada’s efforts to balance immigration with domestic capacity concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Why has Canada reduced the number of student visas for Indian nationals?
Canada reduced the number of student visas for Indian nationals as part of a broader effort to cap temporary residents at 5% of the population by 2027 or 2028. This policy aims to ease pressure on housing, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure.
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How many Indian students were affected by the visa reduction in 2025?
In the first quarter of 2025, only 30,640 study permits were granted to Indian nationals, down from 44,295 in the same period last year, marking a 31% reduction.
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What are the broader implications of this policy?
The policy reflects a long-term strategy to manage population growth and resource allocation. It includes stricter caps on study permits and increased financial requirements for applicants, affecting not only students but also other temporary residents.
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Are other groups besides Indian students impacted by these changes?
Yes, the policy affects all temporary residents, including international students from other countries and temporary workers. The study permit cap of 437,000 for 2025 applies to all applicants globally.
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What are the new financial requirements for student visa applicants?
The financial requirements for student visa applicants have been doubled, making it harder for many prospective students to qualify. This is part of the government’s effort to ensure applicants can support themselves while studying in Canada.
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Is this reduction in student visas permanent?
The study permit cap of 437,000 is expected to remain in place through 2026. However, the government may adjust policies based on future assessments of Canada’s capacity to support temporary residents.
