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In a notable shift, the number of Indian undergraduate students seeking study permits in Canada has significantly decreased, a trend attributed to recent policy changes by Ottawa. Internal communications reveal that the termination of work permits for spouses of international students has prompted many to reconsider their options, with a marked preference for countries that still offer spousal visas.
Policy Changes Impacting Student Applications
According to a 2025 email report obtained through access to information requests, the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi outlined integrity concerns surrounding Indian students, including the rise of marriages of convenience. These arrangements were often leveraged to enable spouses to accompany students to Canada, thus providing financial assistance through employment.
The report indicates that the practice had gained traction, with advertisements proliferating in Indian media and dating platforms. However, all of this changed with the policy overhaul instituted by former Immigration Minister Marc Miller in 2024, which effectively curtailed the issuance of open work permits for most undergraduate students’ spouses.
In the wake of this decision, many prospective students from India have shifted their focus to countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Finland, where spousal visa options remain available. Diplomatic sources suggest that this has resulted in a significant decline in applications to Canadian educational institutions.
The Numbers Tell a Story
Statistics from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlight a stark drop in Indian study permit holders, plummeting from 277,950 in 2023 to 93,840 in 2025. This decline not only reflects a shift in student preferences but also poses a potential threat to the financial health of Canadian colleges and universities that rely heavily on international tuition fees.
Syed Hussan, the executive director of Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, has noted that many students are opting out of Canada due to the inability to bring family members along. The unpredictability of immigration rules further complicates the situation, as students may arrive under one set of regulations only to find them altered midway through their studies.
Regulatory Landscape and Its Consequences
The tightening of immigration rules has not only limited spousal work permits but also imposed stricter requirements on the types of programmes eligible for such permits. As of January 2025, only spouses of students enrolled in master’s programmes lasting 16 months or longer, doctoral programmes, or select professional courses can obtain open work permits.
IRCC spokesperson Jeffrey MacDonald acknowledged the role of international students in Canada’s economic growth but defended the new measures as necessary for maintaining the integrity of the International Student Program. He stressed that IRCC officers are equipped to identify fraudulent applications, including those stemming from questionable relationships.
Integrity Issues in Question
The internal email from the High Commission raised additional concerns about the qualifications of Indian applicants, revealing that some students appeared to lack the necessary English proficiency despite possessing the requisite language credentials. This has spotlighted a broader issue regarding the integrity of the study permit system, suggesting that not only the number but also the quality of applicants has been adversely affected by the recent policy changes.
Why it Matters
The implications of this declining trend extend beyond individual students; they reflect a critical juncture for Canada’s immigration and educational policies. As prospective students increasingly look elsewhere for opportunities, the country risks losing its competitive edge in attracting global talent. This situation not only jeopardises the financial sustainability of educational institutions but also raises questions about the future of Canada as a desirable destination for international students and their families. The government’s challenge will be to strike a balance between maintaining programme integrity and ensuring that Canada remains a welcoming environment for those seeking educational advancement.