Canada Rejects 80% of Indian Student Visas in 2025 as Germany Gains Ground
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Canada has rejected nearly 80% of student visa applications from India this year, marking one of the highest refusal rates in recent history and sending shockwaves through aspiring students and families.
Traditionally, Canada has been the top destination for Indian students, hosting over 300,000 annually. However, tougher scrutiny of documents, allegations of misuse, and growing diplomatic tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi have contributed to the steep rejection rates. Education consultants warn that many genuine applicants, despite securing admission offers, have been denied entry, leaving families financially strained after losing deposits and application fees.
Canadian officials argue that the system has come under pressure from soaring student numbers, limited housing, and concerns over visas being used primarily for migration purposes. In a major policy shift, Ottawa has scrapped the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which once enabled eligible Indian students to secure fast-tracked approvals in just 20 days. Now, applicants face standard processing times of over 60 days, combined with more stringent checks.
The move has prompted concern across India, with counsellors urging greater transparency in the process. Families are increasingly cautious, reconsidering whether to invest in applications to Canada amid fears of rejection.
Meanwhile, Germany has emerged as a leading alternative. In 2025, Indian enrolments in German universities have grown faster than in most other European destinations. The country’s tuition-free or low-cost higher education, strong job prospects in engineering and technology, and government-backed initiatives to attract young talent make it an appealing option.
Unlike Canada, Germany has not introduced sweeping curbs on international students. With more English-taught programmes and access to the Schengen zone, Indian students are increasingly drawn to Europe’s broader cultural and professional opportunities.
The shift represents a turning point in global student mobility. While Canada once symbolised opportunity and permanent residency pathways, rejection rates nearing 80% have pushed Indian students to diversify choices, with Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Australia now rising as strong contenders.
Source: THE CSR JOURNAL
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