TORONTO — Canada has issued significantly fewer study permits to Indian nationals in the first quarter of 2025, marking a sharp 31% decline compared to the same period last year. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), just 30,640 Indian students received study permits between January and March — down from 44,295 in Q1 2024.
This drop reflects a broader pullback in international student admissions as the Canadian government tightens immigration policies in response to rising pressures on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Steep Drop in Total Study Permits
The overall number of international study permits granted in Q1 2025 fell to 96,015, compared to 121,070 in the first quarter of 2024. The trend follows measures introduced in late 2023 to curb the growing number of temporary residents.
In 2023, Canada issued a record 681,155 study permits, including 278,045 to Indian students. Those figures declined in 2024 to 516,275 total permits, with Indian nationals accounting for 188,465.
Policy Shifts Driving Decline
Following his re-election in April 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to controlling immigration levels. A central part of this approach includes capping the number of temporary residents — including international students — at 5% of the national population by 2027.
To support this goal, IRCC announced in September 2024 that the study permit cap for 2025 would be reduced to 437,000, down from 485,000 the previous year. The cap is expected to remain in place through 2026.
New Rules for Applicants
In addition to quota reductions, stricter financial and documentation requirements are also affecting international student mobility. Since January 1, 2024, applicants must demonstrate proof of CA$20,635 (approximately ₹12.7 lakh) in available funds — a significant increase from the previous CA$10,000 threshold.
Another policy introduced in October 2023 requires Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to verify each acceptance letter before a study permit application is processed. This step aims to curb fraud and ensure that only genuine students are admitted under the Study Abroad Program.
Implications for Indian Students
India has historically been Canada’s largest source of international students, and these new measures are expected to alter student flows significantly. Students and families considering the opportunity to study abroad are now facing greater financial and administrative barriers.
For prospective students, consulting up-to-date Study Abroad Guides and working closely with educational advisors will be crucial in navigating the new Canadian visa landscape.
