Canada’s study permit system is under intense pressure, with new data showing 62% of applicants were refused between January and July 2025 — the highest refusal rate in more than ten years.
The figures, released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), reveal that approval rates have plummeted to just 38%, a steep drop from 48% in 2024, following the introduction of strict study permit caps earlier this year.
Hardest Hit: Indian Students
Indian students — who make up about 40% of Canada’s international student population — have been disproportionately affected. Reports indicate that four out of five Indian applicants were rejected in Q2 2025, raising concerns about the accessibility and fairness of the system.
Why Are So Many Applications Rejected?
The top reasons cited for refusals include:
-
Doubts about immigration intent: In over 75% of cases, IRCC officers concluded that students did not appear likely to leave Canada after their studies.
-
Financial readiness: With proof-of-funds requirements rising to CAD $20,635 in 2024, many students were refused due to inadequate financial documentation.
-
Insufficient resources for tuition and living expenses.
-
Weak family or economic ties outside Canada.
Although new policy caps and backlog pressures have contributed, immigration experts say many of these issues are preventable with stronger documentation and clearer demonstration of study intent.
Broader Immigration Crackdown
The trend comes amid a wider tightening of Canada’s immigration rules. For the first time, temporary resident targets are included in the Immigration Levels Plan, aiming to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the population by 2027.
Approval rates are also down in other categories, including visitor visas (below 50% this year compared to a 64% ten-year average).
What This Means for Applicants
For prospective international students, the message is clear: Canada remains competitive, but the bar for approval has risen sharply. Applicants will need:
-
Strong, verifiable proof of funds.
-
A study plan that clearly shows temporary intent.
-
Complete, error-free documentation from day one.
Education consultants stress that working with trusted advisers can make a major difference in avoiding common pitfalls that now frequently lead to rejection.