India, July 5 -- For years, Canada was one of the top choices for Indian students looking to study abroad. Good universities, part-time work opportunities and a pathway to permanent residency made it an attractive option for many families. But that picture has changed sharply in 2026. New data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Statistics Canada shows a steep fall in international student arrivals, with numbers dropping by around 64% compared to previous highs. As visa rules tighten and living costs rise, many Indian students are now rethinking their plans and exploring other countries instead.

The biggest reason behind the decline is a major policy shift by the Canadian government. Canada has introduced stricte...