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In recent years, Canada has witnessed a troubling decline in the number of Indian undergraduate students applying to study at its institutions. This downturn, as revealed by internal government communications, coincides with the abolition of spousal work permits for international students, a move that has led many prospective students to consider alternative destinations for their education. The internal e-mail, obtained through access to information laws, sheds light on the motivations behind this trend and the integrity issues surrounding it.
Spousal Work Permits: A Key Attraction
A 2025 communication from Han Duan, Canada’s High Commission first secretary for migration in New Delhi, outlines how the spousal work permit programme was a significant draw for Indian students. The report indicates that many students engaged in what has been termed “marriages of convenience” to facilitate their spouses’ entry into Canada, allowing them to work and support their partner’s studies.
Prior to the regulatory changes implemented by former Immigration Minister Marc Miller in 2024, these arrangements were frequently advertised in Indian newspapers and dating applications. The report notes that the elimination of open work permits for spouses of undergraduate students resulted in a noticeable shift among Indian applicants who began seeking opportunities in countries that still offer such permits, including Germany, Sweden, and Finland.
Shift in Preferences Towards Europe
The impact of Ottawa’s decision to restrict spousal work permits is evident in the dramatic numbers. The total of Indian study permit holders plummeted from 277,950 in 2023 to just 93,840 in 2025, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data. The trend has raised concerns among educational institutions that rely on international tuition fees for revenue.
Notably, Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer who obtained the e-mail, highlighted the importance of selecting applicants who can support themselves financially while studying in Canada. He argued that study permits should not serve as a means for individuals to secure residency through romantic relationships.
The Broader Implications of Immigration Policy
As the federal government tightens regulations, including limiting open work permits to spouses of students enrolled in longer master’s and doctoral programmes, the implications for both prospective students and educational institutions become increasingly significant. The restrictions have not only raised barriers for potential applicants but have also led to a perception of unpredictability in Canada’s immigration landscape.
Syed Hussan, executive director at Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, has observed that many individuals are now opting for countries that allow family members to accompany them during their studies. This sentiment reflects a broader desire among international students to maintain family unity while pursuing educational opportunities abroad.
Concerns Over Student Quality and Integrity
Duan’s report also raises concerns about the quality of applicants following the new restrictions. There are indications that some students lack the necessary English proficiency despite presenting qualifications suggesting otherwise. The e-mail underscores the need for vigilance in maintaining the integrity of the study permit system, as increased scrutiny is essential to prevent fraudulent applications and ensure that the programme serves its intended purpose.
IRCC spokesperson Jeffrey MacDonald confirmed that the government remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the International Student Program. He emphasised that measures have been implemented to identify fraudulent relationships and that immigration officers are equipped to detect non-genuine applications.
Why it Matters
The decline in Indian student applications to Canada signals a critical juncture for the nation’s higher education system and its global reputation as a study destination. By tightening immigration policies, Canada risks alienating a significant demographic of international students who contribute to its economy and cultural diversity. As countries like Germany and Sweden capitalise on the gap left by Canada’s restrictive measures, it becomes increasingly important for Ottawa to reassess its approach to student immigration and ensure that it remains a competitive and welcoming environment for prospective learners.
