Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to bring the number of temporary residents, including international students, to below 5% of the population by 2027. The current share peaked at 7.25% last year, raising concerns over housing, resources, and infrastructure. Carney emphasized the need for “sustainable levels” to ensure Canada can “fulfil its welcome.”
Indian Students Face Soaring Rejections
The decision comes amid alarming data showing Indian students are the hardest hit by visa rejections. According to the PIE, four out of five Indian applicants were refused study permits between April and June 2025. Approval rates have plunged to 38% this year, a sharp fall from the average of 60% over the past decade.
Decline in Study Permits
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported that the number of study permits for Indian students fell by over 66% in the second quarter of 2025, from 55,660 in 2024 to just 17,885 this year. Overall, Indian students made up 32% of study permits, compared to 45% in 2024. The drop is part of a larger downward trend that began in 2024.
Wider Impact on International Students
Overall, Canada issued nearly 100,000 fewer study permits in the first six months of 2025 compared to 2024. Total permits dropped from 245,055 to 149,860, showing how the government’s tighter controls are reshaping the international education landscape. Political observers link the policy shift to rising anti-immigrant sentiment within Canada.
Looking Ahead
These new immigration measures are expected to be detailed in the government’s upcoming plan to Parliament. While Canada has long been a top destination for Indian students, the steep decline in visa approvals raises concerns about academic and career prospects for thousands. Experts believe the shift could redirect Indian students toward countries like Australia, the UK, and the US.
