In a significant development that could impact thousands of aspiring students, Canada has reported a sharp decrease in the number of study permits issued to Indian nationals. According to newly released data by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), only 30,640 study permits were granted to Indian students in the first quarter of 2025—a 31% decline compared to the same period last year, when 44,295 permits were issued.
The move comes amid a broader policy shift announced by Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who has emphasized the need to limit the number of temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers. Carney stated that the number of temporary residents in Canada will be capped at no more than 5% of the country’s total population, citing concerns over housing, employment opportunities, and public services.
This sharp reduction in permits for Indian students—who traditionally make up the largest share of international students in Canada—signals a potential rebalancing of immigration and education priorities in the country. Experts believe the new policy could affect the intake strategies of Canadian universities, which have come to rely heavily on international tuition fees, particularly from India.
Indian students and education consultants have expressed concern over the shift, warning that it could disrupt academic plans and diminish Canada’s appeal as a top destination for higher education.
With the new immigration strategy, prospective students may now face stricter eligibility criteria, longer processing times, and reduced chances of approval, prompting many to explore alternative destinations such as Australia, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
The Canadian government has yet to release detailed guidelines on how the new cap will be implemented across various visa categories. However, analysts suggest that unless policy adjustments are made, the decline in study permit issuance may continue through the rest of the year.
