Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s sweeping crackdown on fraudulent student visa applications has resulted in an unprecedented spike in rejection rates for Indian students, drastically reducing their presence across Canadian campuses and straining academic ties between the two nations.
Latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that as of August 2025, 74 percent of student visa requests from India were turned down — a sharp increase from 32 percent just two years ago. Globally, the refusal rate averaged around 40 percent, while China’s stood much lower at 24 percent.
Sharp Fall in Indian Applications
The surge in rejections has coincided with a steep fall in new applications. Only 4,515 Indian students applied for study permits this August, compared with more than 20,000 during the same month in 2023. India, once Canada’s largest source of international students, now tops the list for visa refusals among major applicant countries.
Crackdown Triggered by Fake Documents
The policy shift comes in the wake of a string of high-profile fraud cases. In 2023, Canadian authorities identified over 1,500 forged study permit submissions—most linked to Indian agents. In 2024, enhanced verification systems flagged roughly 14,000 additional questionable documents.
In response, the Canadian government has rolled out tougher vetting procedures, including increased financial requirements and stricter document authentication. Ottawa has also introduced Bill C-12, legislation designed to allow mass cancellations of temporary visas if systemic fraud is discovered.
Diplomatic Friction Adds to the Strain
The immigration tightening follows a turbulent period in Canada–India relations. Tensions escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2023 statement alleging India’s involvement in a killing in British Columbia, an accusation New Delhi denied. Internal immigration briefings have since described India and Bangladesh as “high-risk” for visa fraud, according to reports.
Universities Hit Hard
Canadian universities, long reliant on Indian enrolments, are reporting noticeable declines. The University of Waterloo says its Indian student population has dropped by more than two-thirds over the past few years. The University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan have recorded similar downward trends, with administrators citing visa delays, rejection surges, and tighter caps as major contributors.
Mixed Reactions from Officials
Responding to the developments, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa acknowledged the steep rejection rates but emphasized that Indian students “remain among the most capable and sought-after globally.”
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reiterated that while Indian students are valued, the government must “protect the credibility and security of Canada’s international education framework.”
Education consultants have warned prospective students to expect heightened scrutiny, noting that demonstrating legitimate financial support and academic purpose is now essential.
Recent Diplomatic Efforts and Processing Delays
Despite the ongoing strain, there have been tentative signs of improvement in bilateral ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Canada in June 2025 and the appointment of new high commissioners in both capitals have been viewed as steps toward rebuilding trust.
However, bureaucratic backlogs remain a challenge. Processing times for temporary resident visas have increased from 30 to 54 days over the past year, while approval numbers slid from 63,000 in January 2024 to 48,000 by mid-2025.
Analysts suggest that while Canada’s fraud prevention measures are well-intentioned, they risk deterring genuine students — potentially reshaping one of the most important education relationships in the world.
