Introduction
Canada has long been one of the most attractive destinations for international students, offering world-class education, cultural diversity, and promising career pathways. For Indian students, Canada is not just about academics but also about the possibility of working during or after studies, gaining international exposure, and eventually applying for Permanent Residency (PR).
However, in 2025, the process has become more challenging. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated rules on study permits, work permits, and PR applications, which have resulted in stricter eligibility checks, higher financial requirements, and longer processing delays. For Indian applicants, who form the largest group of international students in Canada, the impact is particularly significant.
What is a Canada Study Visa/Permit?
A study permit is a legal authorisation issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to pursue studies at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
It is important to understand that a study permit is not a visa. While a visa (Temporary Resident Visa or eTA) allows entry into Canada, the study permit authorises the student to stay and study. Normally, a study permit remains valid for the length of the academic program plus an additional 90 days to prepare for departure or extend status.
Eligibility Criteria for a Study Permit
To qualify for a study permit, applicants must:
Hold a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI.
Provide proof of financial resources to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel.
Show evidence of English or French language proficiency (usually through IELTS/TOEFL/TEF).
Complete a medical examination and/or provide a police clearance certificate (if required).
Prove their intention to leave Canada after their authorised stay, unless extending permits.
From Fall 2025, international students, including Indians, must demonstrate a minimum of CAD 20,635 (≈ ₹14 lakhs) as proof of financial support, which is almost double the earlier requirement (Navbharat Times, 2025).
Work Permit and Its Types
International students in Canada have the chance to work during and after their studies:
On-Campus and Off-Campus Work: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Granted after completion of eligible academic programs. Valid for 8 months to 3 years, depending on program length.
Eligibility for Work Permits (Including PGWP)
To be eligible for a work permit, students must:
Hold a valid study permit.
Complete a program of at least 8 months from a recognised DLI.
Graduate with a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Maintain full-time enrollment during studies.
What is IRCC and How Does It Work?
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are the federal department responsible for immigration, refugee protection, and citizenship services.
Functions of IRCC:
Reviews and processes applications for study permits, work permits, PR, and citizenship.
Ensures that immigration policies align with Canada’s economic, social, and humanitarian goals.
Works in coordination with provincial governments and educational institutions to regulate international students.
How IRCC Operates:
Applications are submitted online or through Visa Application Centres (VACs). Each application undergoes:
Eligibility Check (documents, acceptance letters, funds).
Background & Security Verification (medical, police clearance, biometrics).
Decision-Making (approval or rejection).
For students, IRCC acts as the primary gateway into Canada’s education system, determining who qualifies and under what conditions.
Estimated Delay Times According to New IRCC Rules (2025 Updates)
Processing times in 2025 are longer due to backlogs and stricter caps.
Study Permits: Average 7–12 weeks, though some Indian applicants experience much longer waits (IRCC, 2025).
Work Permits & PGWP: Processing can take 4–6 months.
Reason for Delays: IRCC capped study permits at 437,000 in 2025 — nearly 10% lower than in 2024. This cap created higher competition, leading to delays and higher rejection rates (Government of Canada, 2025).
India-Specific Data: 2025 Trends
Indian students have faced the steepest challenges under the new rules:
High Rejection Rates: Nearly 80% of Indian student applications were rejected in 2025, with approval rates dropping to just 13% in Q2 2025 (Financial Express, 2025; Times of India, 2025).
Decline in Permits Issued:
Q1 2025: 30,650 permits issued vs 44,295 in Q1 2024 — a 31% drop (Economic Times, 2025).
April–June 2025: 17,885 permits issued vs 55,660 in the same period of 2024 — a 66% decline (Hindustan Times, 2025).
Approval vs Application Ratio: Out of 182,404 applications, only 78,620 were approved in early 2025 — reflecting an approval rate of 43% (Economic Times, 2025).
Financial Burden: The CAD 20,635 proof-of-funds requirement has made it harder for many middle-class Indian families to support overseas education.
This data paints a clear picture: while Canada is still in demand, getting approval in 2025 is tougher than ever for Indian students.
What is Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada?
Permanent Residency (PR) grants foreign nationals the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely. It is not the same as citizenship, but it does provide:
Access to healthcare and social services.
Legal protection under Canadian law.
The ability to apply for citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for PR
The major PR pathways for international students and skilled workers include:
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Workers Program): Based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those with Canadian work experience (often ex-students on PGWP).
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Nomination by a province seeking skilled migrants.
PR Application Process and Waiting Period (2025)
Applicants create an Express Entry profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Based on ranking, IRCC issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
After submission of full documents and biometrics, a decision is made.
Current Processing Times (2025):
Average of 6–12 months, depending on the stream.
Between January and July 2025, IRCC processed 266,800 PR applications, admitting 246,300 new permanent residents. However, backlogs remain significant (Government of Canada, 2025).
Conclusion
Canada remains a dream destination for Indian students, but the pathway in 2025 is fraught with hurdles. With tougher eligibility requirements, higher financial demands, rising rejection rates, and longer delays, success now requires early planning, accurate documentation, and robust financial preparation.
Despite the obstacles, the rewards remain high: access to quality education, global work opportunities, and the chance at permanent residency. For those who persevere, Canada still offers one of the most fulfilling international education and immigration journeys in the world.
References
Government of Canada, IRCC — Study permit processing and cap update, July 2025.
Financial Express (2025) — Indian students face an 80% rejection rate for Canada study permits.
Economic Times (2025) — Sharp drop in Indian study permits due to visa rules.
Times of India (2025) — Canada study permits for Indians dip 27% in Q2.
Hindustan Times (2025) — Two-thirds fall in issuance of study permits to Indians.
Navbharat Times (2025) — Canada increases financial proof requirement for study permits.
Government of Canada — IRCC Immigration Inventories and Backlogs Report, July 2025.
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