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The influx of Indian undergraduate students seeking study permits in Canada has witnessed a significant decline, primarily attributed to recent changes in immigration policy that revoked spousal work permits. An internal government communication reveals that many Indian students had previously relied on marriages of convenience to secure financial aid and work opportunities for their partners while studying in Canada.
A Shift in Immigration Policy
A 2025 email report from Canada’s High Commission in New Delhi, obtained through access to information requests, highlights the repercussions of Ottawa’s decision to terminate open work permits for spouses of most undergraduate international students in 2024. This policy shift was spearheaded by then-immigration minister Marc Miller and has since directed many prospective Indian students towards alternative destinations such as Germany, Sweden, and Finland, which still offer spousal visas.
The email, addressed to Sean McLuckie, the director of irregular migration and risk intelligence at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as well as other senior officials, outlined how some Indian students had engaged in marriages of convenience, a practice that had been widely promoted through Indian media and dating platforms. Han Duan, the first secretary for migration at the High Commission, noted that the high costs associated with studying and living in Canada had led many students to depend on these arrangements for financial support.
Statistics Tell the Story
Recent figures from IRCC starkly illustrate the trend: 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. This decline not only reflects a shift in student preferences but also poses a potential financial threat to Canadian educational institutions that depend heavily on international tuition fees.
Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer who facilitated the release of the email, argues that Canada should exercise discretion in its selection of international students, implying that the system should favour those who can finance their education independently. “Study permits should not serve as a gateway for romantic relationships in Canada,” Kurland asserted.
Broader Implications for Immigration
The tightening of immigration regulations for international students commenced in January 2024, coinciding with the revocation of spousal visas for undergraduates. By January 2025, the rules were further refined, limiting open work permits to spouses of students enrolled in master’s programmes lasting 16 months or longer, doctoral programmes, or specific professional courses.
In a statement, an IRCC spokesperson acknowledged the importance of international students in bolstering Canada’s research and economic sectors. However, the spokesperson noted that recent reforms aimed at enhancing the integrity of the International Student Program may have inadvertently decreased approval rates. Measures have been introduced to detect fraudulent applications, particularly in relation to marriages that could be seen as merely a means to gain entry into Canada.
Concerns Over Student Quality
Duan’s report also raised concerns about the quality of applicants post-policy change, suggesting that while the number of Indian students decreased, so too did the proficiency of those applying. It indicated potential discrepancies between claimed English language qualifications and actual capabilities, leading to serious integrity questions surrounding the study permit framework.
Why it Matters
The significant drop in Indian student applications underscores the delicate balance the Canadian government must maintain between safeguarding its immigration system and attracting international talent. As potential students increasingly turn to countries with more accommodating policies, the long-term implications for Canada’s educational landscape and economy could be profound. Ensuring that the study permit system remains attractive while upholding integrity measures will be an ongoing challenge for policymakers moving forward.
