Is Canada still worth it? Indian students rethink study abroad plans amid visa crackdown

Once the most popular gateway to global education for Indian students, Canada is quickly losing ground as tightening visa rules and rising financial demands force many to reconsider their overseas aspirations.In the first quarter of 2025, Canada issued 31% fewer study permits to Indian students compared to the same period last year — dropping from 44,295 to just 30,650, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The steep fall comes on the heels of stricter immigration policies that have reshaped the once-familiar route to a Canadian degree and a possible life abroad.

Financial burden doubles overnight

A major catalyst for the downturn was the Canadian government’s decision to revise the financial requirements for student visa applicants. Beginning January 1, 2024, international students have been mandated to show proof of CAD 20,635 in available funds, more than double the earlier benchmark of CAD 10,000.This policy change, aimed at better reflecting the cost of living in Canada, has effectively priced out a significant segment of Indian students, especially those from middle-income households. Many are finding it harder to meet loan eligibility or secure financial documentation to satisfy the new conditions.

Border tightening raises new concerns

The challenges don’t end with financial documentation. Recent amendments also give Canadian border officials broader discretion to cancel visas or deny entry if they suspect a student may remain in the country beyond the expiration of their permit. The result is growing uncertainty, even among those with valid visas and confirmed university admissions.Extended processing times, increased rejections, and unpredictable border assessments have made the process far more stressful and less dependable. For many aspiring students and their families, the risk no longer feels worth the reward.

Why Canada plans to reduce the international population

The rapid influx of foreign students and temporary workers has strained housing availability, driven up rental costs, and overwhelmed public transport systems. In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a policy shift aimed at curbing this growth. By 2027, the government plans to cap the number of temporary residents — including international students and foreign workers — to no more than five per cent of the total population.The move signals a significant recalibration of Canada’s immigration and international education policies.

Indian students explore alternative destinations

With Canada becoming less predictable and more costly, Indian students are casting a wider net. Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Ireland are emerging as strong alternatives — offering world-class education, affordable tuition, and student-friendly immigration policies. These countries are increasingly being seen as safer, more stable options with fewer bureaucratic roadblocks.The shift is not only about ease of entry but also long-term value. Students are now weighing factors like post-study work rights, the cost of living, and the chances of permanent residency in a more strategic, diversified way.

Rethinking the Canadian dream

The sharp decline in Indian study permits, rising costs, and mounting uncertainty have all contributed to a broader reassessment of Canada as the default option for overseas education. While the country still offers strong academic credentials, the path to getting there is no longer smooth or certain.For Indian students in 2025, the calculus has changed. Canada remains on the map — but it is no longer the only, or even the easiest, destination. What was once seen as a clear and promising route now looks increasingly complex, pushing a new generation to chart different paths across an evolving global education landscape.