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The number of Indian undergraduate students seeking to study in Canada has seen a significant downturn in recent years, largely attributed to the suspension of spousal work permits for international students. This internal government correspondence reveals insights into the changing landscape of educational immigration and raises questions about the integrity of the application process.
Shift in Student Immigration Trends
According to an email from Han Duan, a migration official at Canada’s High Commission in New Delhi, obtained through access to information laws, the Canadian government has observed a troubling decline in the number of Indian students applying for study permits. The email, dated March 2025, notes that the number of Indian study permit holders plummeted to 93,840 in 2025, down from 188,125 in 2024 and a staggering 277,950 in 2023.
One of the primary reasons for this decline appears to be the 2024 decision by then-Immigration Minister Marc Miller to restrict open work permits for spouses accompanying international students pursuing undergraduate studies. This rule change has prompted many prospective students to consider alternatives in countries that still offer spousal visas, such as Germany, Sweden, and Finland.
The Role of Marriages of Convenience
Duan’s correspondence highlighted a controversial phenomenon: marriages of convenience that allowed some Indian students to bring their spouses to Canada under open work permits. These arrangements were reportedly promoted through Indian newspapers and dating apps as a means to secure financial support while studying abroad.
The suspension of this loophole has left many Indian applicants reassessing their options. “Given the high cost of studying and living in Canada, many Indian applicants relied on these marriages to ensure financial stability,” Duan explained. The absence of spousal work permits has not only led to a decline in applications but has also raised concerns about the quality of candidates applying for study permits.
Changes in Immigration Policy
The federal government has tightened immigration regulations for international students, particularly in January 2024, when new restrictions were imposed on spousal visas for undergraduate students. This trend continued into January 2025, when further limitations were enacted, allowing open work permits solely for spouses of students enrolled in master’s programmes over 16 months, doctoral programmes, or select professional courses.
These measures have garnered criticism from various quarters. Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer who sourced the email, asserted that Canada has the right to select students who can adequately support themselves during their studies. He remarked, “Study permits should not be a dating trampoline to Canada,” emphasising the need for genuine applicants who are financially prepared for the rigours of studying abroad.
Concerns Over Application Integrity
The integrity of the study permit application process has come under scrutiny following these policy shifts. Duan’s email noted not only a decrease in the overall number of applicants but also a decline in the quality of students applying. There were indications that some applicants lacked the requisite English proficiency, despite presenting language qualifications.
The Canadian government has responded to these concerns by reinforcing training for immigration officers to identify fraudulent relationships, including those arising from marriages of convenience. Jeffrey MacDonald, a spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), stated that measures have been implemented to safeguard the integrity of the International Student Program while ensuring genuine students are protected.
Why it Matters
The decline in Indian student applications to Canada highlights broader implications for the country’s educational institutions and economy. As universities and colleges rely heavily on international tuition fees, the shrinking pool of Indian students may significantly impact their financial sustainability. Moreover, the tightening of immigration rules could alienate potential students who view Canada as an unwelcoming destination. As the government reassesses its approach, it must balance the need for integrity in the immigration process with the imperative of maintaining Canada’s reputation as a desirable hub for international education.