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A recent internal communication from Canada’s High Commission in New Delhi reveals a marked decline in the number of Indian students applying for undergraduate study permits in Canada. This downturn has been attributed to the termination of spousal work permits, a significant policy shift initiated by the federal government. The implications of this policy change are far-reaching, affecting not only the students but also Canadian educational institutions that rely on international tuition fees.
The Impact of Policy Changes
The report, dated 2025 and obtained through access to information laws, indicates that the phased removal of work permits for spouses of most international undergraduate students led many Indian applicants to reconsider their study destinations. Prior to this shift, some students had entered into what have been described as “marriages of convenience” to allow their partners to accompany them to Canada, thereby alleviating financial pressures associated with tuition and living expenses.
Han Duan, a first secretary (migration) at the High Commission, noted that these marriages were actively promoted through Indian media and dating applications. With the implementation of new restrictions by then-Immigration Minister Marc Miller in 2024, this pathway was effectively closed.
Shift to Alternative Destinations
Following the policy changes, Duan highlighted that many Indian students have redirected their applications to countries that still offer spousal visas, with Germany, Sweden, and Finland seeing notable increases in interest. While the report did not provide specific statistics on this trend, it has been observed that other nations such as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand have also reported declines in Indian study permit applications after implementing similar restrictions.
Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer who unveiled the report, asserted that Canada has the prerogative to determine which students it welcomes. He argued that the system should ideally attract individuals who can financially sustain themselves during their studies. “Study permits should not be a dating trampoline to Canada,” Kurland commented, emphasising the need for integrity in the immigration process.
Declining Numbers and Economic Ramifications
The ramifications of these policy shifts are already evident. Statistics from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveal a dramatic drop in Indian study permit holders—from 277,950 in 2023 to just 93,840 in 2025. This decline poses a significant threat to the financial health of many Canadian colleges and universities, which heavily depend on the revenue generated from international students.
Syed Hussan, executive director of Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, suggested that the decrease in applications is partly due to students opting out of countries where they cannot bring their families. He also pointed to the unpredictability of immigration rules as a deterrent, noting that prospective students are wary of entering a system that may alter the rules mid-application.
Government’s Stance on International Students
In response to these developments, the IRCC has reiterated the importance of international students in bolstering Canada’s research, innovation, and economic growth. An IRCC spokesperson acknowledged that recent reforms aimed at enhancing the integrity of the International Student Program might have inadvertently reduced approval rates. However, the overarching goal remains to protect genuine students and ensure a credible immigration process.
Duan’s report also flagged concerns regarding the qualifications of some Indian applicants, with indications that there may be discrepancies in English language proficiency despite official certifications. Such integrity issues could further complicate the landscape for prospective international students.
Why it Matters
The decline in Indian student applications not only threatens the financial viability of Canadian educational institutions but also reflects broader implications for Canada’s immigration strategy. As the nation grapples with the fallout from its revised policies, it must consider how these changes affect its global reputation as a welcoming destination for international students. The future of Canada’s educational landscape may hinge on finding a balance between safeguarding its immigration system and fostering an environment conducive to attracting talented individuals from around the world.
