2. Major Cut in International Student Intake: 305,000 → 155,000

Under Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan (2026–2028), the government has announced a significant reduction in student entries.

Expected intake drop:

• 2025: ~305,000

• 2026: ~155,000

• A massive 49% reduction

This will make admissions to Canadian colleges and universities extremely competitive.

Who will get priority?

• Students with high academic records

• Applicants with strong English scores

• Programs aligned with labour market needs

• Students applying to public universities instead of private colleges

• Genuine candidates with transparent financial documents

If you fall into these categories, your chances are still good—but preparation must be flawless.

3. Longer Visa Processing Times for Indians

Indians are currently facing some of the longest wait times seen in years.

Current averages:

• Visitor Visa: 99 days

• Super Visa: 169 days

• Work Permit: 10–12 weeks

• Study Permit: 8–10 weeks (can be longer if additional checks needed)

The delays are due to:

• Increased fraud checks

• Higher scrutiny for Indian applicants

• Backlogs from 2023–2024

• Reallocation of visa officers to investigations

If you are planning to travel, apply early and avoid last-minute plans.

4. New Rules on Visa Cancellation & Compliance (2025 Update)

As of November 2025, IRCC has introduced new guidelines allowing officers to cancel temporary resident documents (visitor visa, work permit, or study permit) if you fail to:

• Follow permit conditions

• Remain enrolled as a student

• Report changes in employment or school

• Maintain valid status

• Provide truthful information

This means even after getting approval, you must strictly follow all rules, otherwise Canada can revoke your permit.

5. Canada Shifts to Skilled Immigration Over Student Pathways

Another big shift: Canada now wants more skilled workers, not temporary residents.

Key Changes in Strategy:

• Economic-class immigrants now make up 64% of all permanent residents

• Focus on Express Entry, PNPs, and job-based immigration

• Reduced reliance on temporary residents

• New occupation-based draws favouring healthcare, construction, tech, agriculture, trades

For many Indians, this means Express Entry and PNP may now be a better long-term pathway than the study route.

6. India–Canada Relations: Impact on Immigration

After months of tension, Canada and India have restarted trade and migration dialogue. However:

• Cases of misuse of student visas

• Surge in fraudulent admissions

• Political cases involving fake agent networks

• High dependency on Indian applicants

…have pushed Canada to tighten policies.

This situation may improve gradually, but for now scrutiny remains high.

7. Step-by-Step Guide: How Indians Can Increase Visa Approval Chances

If you want to move to Canada in 2025–26, this checklist will greatly help increase your success rate:

1. Strengthen Your SOP / Statement of Purpose

Your SOP must prove:

• Why you chose Canada

• Why this program fits your career

• Your genuine intent to study

• Your return plan if required

Weak SOP = guaranteed refusal.

2. Show Clear, Verifiable Funds

• Avoid borrowing from multiple accounts

• Avoid sudden large deposits

• Provide tax returns, business documents, and income proofs

• Include a strong sponsor letter

3. Apply to Better Institutions

Public universities > Public colleges > Private colleges.
Choosing “PG Diploma at private college” increases refusal chance drastically.

4. Improve IELTS Score

A higher score boosts visa confidence.
Target:

• Listening: 7.5+

• Overall: 7 band or above

5. Explore Skilled Immigration Routes

If you qualify, apply via:

• Express Entry

• PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs)

• Atlantic Immigration Program

• Employer-driven pathways

This avoids the high refusal rates affecting students.

6. Hire Only Authorized Consultants

Avoid unauthorized agents who file poor or fraudulent applications.
Always choose a regulated immigration consultant.

8. Should You Still Consider Canada in 2025–26?

Yes — Canada is still one of the best destinations for immigration, but the approach must be strategic.

Most Reliable Routes Today:

• Express Entry

• PNP based on job offer or occupation

• High-quality university admissions

• Work permits tied to skilled employment

• Family sponsorship routes

Less Reliable Routes Now:

• Private colleges

• “Study now, PR later” expectations

• Low IELTS scores

• Weak financial documentation

Don’t risk a refusal — talk to our immigration specialists now. We’ll help you build a strong, compliant, and high-success Canada visa application.

Conclusion: Canada’s Doors Are Open — But Only for the Right Applicants

Canada is not closing doors — it is filtering applicants more strictly.
For Indians who prepare properly, 2025–26 can still be a year of opportunity.

If you take the right pathway, build a strong application, and avoid shortcuts, you can still secure your spot in Canada despite new immigration challenges.