Study permits issued by Canada to Indian students have seen a sharp drop in early 2025, continuing a steady downward trend that began in late 2023. According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), only 30,640 permits were granted to Indian nationals between January and March this year. This represents a fall of nearly 31 percent compared to the 44,295 issued during the same period in 2024.
This dip is not limited to Indian students alone. Canada’s overall number of international study permits also declined significantly in the first quarter of 2025, from 1,21,070 last year to just 96,015 this year. The numbers reflect the country’s tightening approach to international education, introduced to manage domestic pressures like housing demand and public service overload.
Rising Restrictions and Political Clarity
The dramatic decrease in permits can be traced back to changes rolled out since late 2023. These included financial rule updates, institutional verifications, and broader immigration caps. After the April 2025 federal elections, newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed the government’s stance, stating that temporary residents, including students and foreign workers, will be capped at no more than five percent of Canada’s total population by 2027.
The shift comes at a time when Canada’s population growth has been under scrutiny, with international students often blamed for contributing to rental inflation and stress on healthcare and transportation systems.
A Look at the Numbers
In 2023, Canada issued 6,81,155 study permits. Indian students made up a large chunk of that number at 2,78,045. But the following year saw a drop to 5,16,275 total permits, with only 1,88,465 going to Indian applicants. The first quarter of 2025 shows this slide is continuing at a fast pace.
With only 30,640 permits granted to Indians so far this year, the situation signals a continued shift in Canadian immigration priorities, especially concerning student intake.
Permit Cap and Financial Proof Rules
On September 18, 2024, IRCC announced a new cap for the total number of study permits to be issued in 2025. The number was reduced to 4,37,000, down from the previous year’s 4,85,000. Officials confirmed that this cap will also apply to 2026 in what they called a “stabilisation” period.
Another major change that affected applicants from India was the update in financial requirements. Starting January 1, 2024, new applicants are required to show proof of CA$ 20,635 (around ₹12.7 lakh) in available funds. This is a significant increase from the earlier required amount of CA$ 10,000 (about ₹6.14 lakh). The policy aims to ensure students can support themselves in Canada’s rising cost-of-living environment without relying heavily on part-time jobs or public services.
Tighter Institutional Checks
In October 2023, Canada introduced a new rule for designated learning institutions (DLIs). Starting from December 2023, DLIs are required to verify each student’s acceptance letter directly through the IRCC system. This move was aimed at curbing fraudulent admissions and improving the integrity of the study permit system.
The government’s focus is now clearly on ensuring quality over quantity in its international student population.
Impact on Indian Aspirants
For thousands of Indian students who dream of studying in Canada, the new rules mean more competition, higher costs, and stricter checks. Canada has long been seen as a welcoming destination for Indian students, offering high-quality education, work opportunities, and pathways to residency. But with these new policies, the road to a Canadian education is not as smooth as it once was.
Many families are now rethinking their plans, and some students may begin to consider alternative destinations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, or the United States. For now, the message from Canada is clear: international students are welcome, but under stricter, better-managed conditions.
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