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The number of Indian undergraduate students seeking study permits in Canada has witnessed a significant decline, attributed largely to changes in immigration policies that eliminated spousal work permits. Internal communications from the Canadian government reveal that this shift has prompted many prospective students to consider opportunities elsewhere, particularly in countries that still offer spousal visas.
Steep Drop in Applications
Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicates a dramatic decrease in Indian study permit holders, with numbers plummeting to 93,840 in 2025 from 188,125 in 2024 and a staggering 277,950 in 2023. This decline represents a concerning trend for Canadian educational institutions that rely heavily on the revenue generated from international students.
The internal report, obtained through access to information requests, highlights a communication from Han Duan, migration first secretary at Canada’s High Commission in New Delhi. It outlines how marriages of convenience had previously facilitated the arrival of Indian students’ spouses, enabling them to work and financially support their partners during their studies. However, the landscape has changed dramatically since 2024 when then-immigration minister Marc Miller imposed restrictions on open work permits for spouses of most undergraduate students.
The Impact of Policy Changes
The e-mail correspondence outlines the ramifications of these policy changes, noting that many Indian students have shifted their focus to countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Finland, which still provide spousal visa options. Duan noted that this shift has been significant, although she did not provide specific figures to quantify the trend. The report also indicated a similar decrease in Indian applications in other nations like Britain, Australia, and New Zealand following the implementation of comparable restrictions.
Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer, commented on the situation, suggesting that Canada has the ability to select students based on their financial independence. He stated, “Study permits should not be a dating trampoline to Canada,” emphasising the need for stricter criteria in granting study permits.
Concerns Over Integrity
The internal communications also revealed concerns regarding the integrity of the study permit system, particularly pertaining to the English language proficiency of applicants. Duan raised alarms about the declining quality of applications, suggesting that some candidates may have overstated their language abilities. A focused assessment of the study permit system revealed “serious concern regarding language testing” among applicants from India.
These issues have prompted the federal government to tighten immigration rules further, particularly in January 2025, when restrictions were imposed limiting open work permits to spouses of students enrolled in master’s or select professional programmes. Such measures aim to enhance the integrity of the International Student Program, though they have had the unintended consequence of deterring eligible candidates from seeking opportunities in Canada.
Government Response
In response to these developments, an IRCC spokesperson acknowledged the vital role international students play in bolstering Canada’s research, innovation, and economic growth. The spokesperson defended the recent reforms, stating that while approval rates may have diminished, they were necessary to safeguard the integrity of the programme and protect genuine students.
IRCC officials are trained to identify fraudulent applications, including those involving marriages entered into primarily for immigration purposes. If a relationship is deemed non-genuine, applications can be refused, and enforcement actions may follow, including removal orders for those found guilty of marriage fraud.
Why it Matters
The decrease in Indian student applications to Canada not only poses a potential financial crisis for educational institutions but also raises broader questions about the country’s immigration strategy. As Canada strives to attract diverse talent from around the world, the current restrictions may inadvertently push away skilled individuals who contribute to the country’s cultural and economic fabric. Reassessing these policies could be crucial for maintaining Canada’s position as a leading destination for international education.
