Canada student visa | 40% rejection rate for Indian students

Trends in student visa

A recent analysis by the Toronto Star reveals a concerning trend for international students in Canada. Nearly half of those accepted face rejections from visa officers, with a staggering 40% of Indian applicants experiencing refusal, the highest among all countries.

Data from the Investigative Journalism Foundation sheds light on the issue, exposing reasons for rejection categorized as “other” or “unspecified.” India, a significant contributor with 320,000 active study permits, is a major player in Canada’s international student landscape.

Financial regulations concerns

Despite contributing significantly to both private and public colleges, international students, who pay five times more in fees than local students, face challenges with their student visa. New regulations have made it financially harder for them, but concerns persist as some may attempt to bypass rules for the promise of permanent residency.

To address concerns, the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association proposes regulating overseas education agents at the provincial level. Designated learning institutions are urged to take responsibility for these agents, disclosing their personal information to ensure accountability.

Varied student visa approval rates

Student visa data analysis reveals varying approval rates among institutions and provinces. Public colleges generally experience higher rejection rates than public universities. Ontario, hosting the largest number of designated learning institutions, exhibits different approval rates among schools.

Government’s Efforts and Ongoing Challenges

Despite recent regulations, fears persist about potential falsification of financial documents. Immigration Minister Marc Miller compares the system to a “puppy mill” and emphasizes the need for provinces to play a role in restoring trust in Canada’s international student program.

Efforts are underway to address challenges and maintain the credibility of Canada’s education system. Minister Miller emphasizes the responsibility of provinces in selecting deserving designated institutions to rebuild confidence in the international student program.