The number of Indian undergraduate students seeking to study in Canada has seen a significant decline, attributed largely to the cessation of spousal work permits by the Canadian government. An internal communication, revealed through access to information requests, underscores how these restrictions have altered the landscape for international students, particularly from India, who previously relied on these permits to support their education financially.
A Shift in Immigration Policy
The 2024 decision by then-Immigration Minister Marc Miller to end the issuance of open work permits for spouses of most undergraduate students has left many prospective Indian students reconsidering their options. According to a report from Canada’s High Commission in New Delhi, this policy change has resulted in a pronounced drop in applications from Indian students, who are now opting for countries that still offer spousal visas, such as Germany, Sweden, and Finland.
The email, sent by Han Duan, first secretary (migration) at the High Commission, notes that some Indian students had previously resorted to marriages of convenience to facilitate their spouses’ entry into Canada. These arrangements were actively promoted through Indian newspapers and dating platforms. “Given the high cost of studying and living in Canada, many Indian applicants relied on marriages of convenience to secure financial support in exchange for spousal open work permits,” Duan stated.
Impact on Application Numbers
Statistics from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveal a stark decline in the number of Indian study permit holders, plummeting from 277,950 in 2023 to just 93,840 by 2025. This decline not only represents a substantial loss of revenue for Canadian educational institutions but also reflects broader trends in international student migration.
As Duan’s email highlights, countries such as Britain, Australia, and New Zealand have also observed a similar downturn in applications following the introduction of spousal visa restrictions. The implications are clear: restrictive immigration policies are driving potential students away from Canada, impacting the diversity and financial stability of its educational institutions.
Concerns Over Student Quality and Integrity
The changes in immigration policy have raised alarms not only regarding application numbers but also about the integrity of the student body. Duan’s report indicates a decline in not only the quantity but also the quality of Indian students applying to Canadian institutions. There are concerns that some applicants may lack the requisite English language proficiency, despite possessing the necessary qualifications on paper.
A targeted integrity exercise revealed troubling issues with language testing, suggesting that the authenticity of some applications may be in question. The IRCC has stated that it is committed to strengthening the integrity of the International Student Program, with measures in place to identify and combat fraud, particularly in relation to marriages.
Government Response and Future Outlook
In response to the decreasing numbers, the IRCC has reiterated the importance of international students in bolstering Canada’s economy and research. Spokesperson Jeffrey MacDonald emphasised that recent reforms, while potentially lowering approval rates, were intended to enhance the programme’s integrity.
Moving forward, the Canadian government has further tightened immigration rules, limiting open work permits for spouses of international students to those enrolled in master’s programmes of 16 months or longer, doctoral programmes, or select professional programmes.
With these restrictions in place, it remains to be seen how Canada will adapt to the shifting dynamics of international education and whether it can regain its status as a preferred destination for Indian students.
Why it Matters
The decline in Indian student applications signals a critical moment for Canada’s educational landscape and its immigration policies. As competition for international students intensifies globally, Canada must carefully consider how its regulations affect the attractiveness of its institutions. The loss of these students not only impacts the financial viability of universities but also diminishes the cultural and academic diversity that enriches Canadian society. As countries like Germany and Sweden capitalise on Canada’s restrictive policies, the need for a strategic reassessment of immigration frameworks becomes ever more urgent.
