Overview
- Prime Minister Mark Carney said the government will bring temporary workers and international students to under 5% of the population by 2027, down from a 7.25% peak.
- Overall study‑permit refusals reached about 62% from January to July 2025, with reporting indicating four in five Indian applicants were rejected in the second quarter.
- IRCC data show permits issued to Indian students fell over 66% year on year in April–June 2025 to 17,885, and first‑half totals dropped to 47,695 from 99,950 a year earlier.
- Ottawa has tightened student pathways by doubling proof‑of‑funds to over CA$20,000, closing the Student Direct Stream, and narrowing post‑graduation work options.
- Germany has emerged as a leading alternative for Indians, with nearly 60,000 enrolments in 2025 and a reported 31% preference share, while Canadian colleges face growing financial strain.