For decades, the United States was the top choice for Indian Students. It offered excellent universities, research opportunities, and global career paths. However, years of uncertainty around the H-1B visa, long wait times, and changing work rules have weakened its appeal. More students are now considering Canada and the UK as steadier options.
In 2025, students are facing new challenges. Proposed changes may allow Canada to cancel already-issued study permits. A sharp rise in visa rejections has worried families, especially in Punjab, which sent over 130,000 students to Canada in 2023. Meanwhile, the UK has imposed stricter work visa rules and shortened post-study options, making routes that once felt reliable less accessible.
Canada, UK Tighten Visa Rules affect Indian Students
Despite the anxiety from headlines about these policies, experts say Indian families are reacting with caution, not chaos. Piyush Kumar, Regional Director for South Asia, Canada and Latin America at IDP Education, reports that fears about retroactive cancellations have not led to widespread alarm. He states, “While there have been a few concerns about obtaining visas, families are not worried about the possibility of issued visas or permits being cancelled.” Kumar explains that IDP keeps in close contact with students and parents, and conversations have shifted toward preparation and following rules.
Saurabh Arora, Founder and CEO of University Living, observes a similar trend. He notes that families are more watchful, guided by facts rather than hearsay. “On the ground, the reaction among Indian students and families has been cautious and adaptive, not panicky,” Arora says.
Data forces a reality check
The extent of the changes becomes clearer with data. Canada’s rejection rate for Indian Students visas surged from 32% in August 2023 to 74% by August 2025. Meanwhile, applications dropped from nearly 20,900 to just over 4,500 during the same period. Arora explains that this has tested confidence.
“Reports of possible cancellations, along with hard data, have made families much more careful,” he says. However, he emphasizes that Canada still attracts strong interest. Surveys continue to indicate significant long-term interest in the country, suggesting that students view this phase as tighter regulation rather than a shut door.
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