Mark Carney Wins Canada Election: Impact on Indian Student Visa Rules

Are you worried about your Canada student visa application following the recent election results? Mark Carney’s victory in Canada’s federal election could significantly impact international student policies, especially for Indian applicants. Despite the previously strained India-Canada relationship under Justin Trudeau, Carney has described ties with India as “incredibly important” and indicated a strong desire to rebuild connections.

Currently, the Canada international student visa landscape shows concerning trends, with Indian student numbers dropping sharply from 278,860 in 2023 to just 137,608 in 2024—a decline of over 40%. However, there’s potential for positive change as the latest Canada student visa news suggests Carney’s government might maintain favorable immigration policies for Indian professionals and students. At the same time, his Liberal Party plans to cap international students to represent less than 5% of Canada’s population by 2027. This balancing act will likely affect everything from Canada student visa processing time to approval rates. If you’re considering studying in Canada, these developments could directly impact your academic future and immigration prospects.

Carney Wins Election, Students Await Policy Clarity

Mark Carney’s Liberal Party victory has created a mix of hope and uncertainty for international students eyeing Canada as their educational destination. The election results come at a critical time when Indian student enrollments have plummeted sharply, with numbers falling to 137,608 in 2024 from 233,532 the previous year.

What Carney’s victory means for Indian students

Carney’s economic background suggests a continued focus on attracting top talent to Canada. Under his leadership, immigration policies are expected to remain favorable, particularly for Indian professionals and students who can support Canada’s innovation and skilled workforce needs. This stance offers a glimmer of hope for the substantial Indian student community, which forms a significant portion of the estimated 427,000 international students in Canada.

Nevertheless, Carney has outlined clear limits on immigration growth. According to the Liberal manifesto, international students and temporary workers will be capped to represent less than 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027, down from a previous 7.3%. Additionally, permanent resident admissions will stabilize at below 1% annually beyond 2027.

Education experts view the election as a potential turning point. “The 2025 federal election presents an important opportunity to reflect on Canada’s future and the vital role international education plays,” noted Anuj Gupta from AECC, a study abroad consultancy. Some industry professionals believe the new government will create “positive vibes” for international education after a challenging period.

How student visa became a campaign talking point

The dramatic decline in student enrollments thrust visa policies into the spotlight during the campaign. According to Career Mosaic, student enrollments declined by a staggering 70% between 2021 and Fall 2024, with a further 33% drop projected in 2025. These figures made education policy a key election issue.

Furthermore, Carney expressed concerns about Canadian postsecondary institutions’ growing financial dependence on international student tuition fees. This dependence emerged after provincial funding cuts forced many universities to rely heavily on international tuition revenue. Consequently, when the federal government introduced caps on international students in 2024, several institutions faced serious financial consequences:

• Budget deficits
• Staff layoffs
• Program closures

Notably, affected institutions included Seneca College, Sheridan College, and the University of Waterloo.

To address these issues, Carney proposed increasing government funding to educational institutions. This approach aims to reduce their reliance on international students while maintaining a strong, sustainable postsecondary education system. Simultaneously, he voiced support for prioritizing the transition of temporary residents to permanent status before significantly increasing overall immigration levels.

The Canadian Bureau for International Education has called on the newly elected government to establish a Pan-Canadian International Education Council, highlighting the sector’s desire for coordinated policy. Meanwhile, study abroad consultants remain divided on the impact of Carney’s victory, with some cautioning that Indian students should not expect dramatic shifts from the Liberal Party’s existing immigration policies.

For prospective Indian students, the Canada student visa process remains in flux as they await concrete policy announcements from the new administration. Experts suggest the relationship reset between India and Canada may eventually improve visa processing times and approval rates, but immediate policy clarity is still forthcoming.

Will Canada Student Visa Rules Change Under Carney?

With Mark Carney now at the helm of Canada’s government, specific changes to student visa regulations appear imminent. The new administration has already signaled several policy shifts that could affect thousands of international students, especially those from India. Understanding these potential changes is crucial for anyone planning to study in Canada in the near future.

Expected reforms in visa processing time

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently implemented significant improvements to its online processing times tool, which directly impacts the Canada student visa processing time. Currently, the system offers forward-looking processing time estimates that are updated monthly to provide realistic timelines for applicants. This allows students to make travel and academic plans with greater certainty.

For 2025, IRCC has announced some notable improvements in temporary visa processing times:

• Study permits from the U.S. now process in 6 weeks, down from 7 weeks previously
• Visitor visas from India have seen significant improvement, processing in 28 days versus the previous 61 days

Since Carney has expressed concerns about Canadian universities’ financial dependence on international students, his administration may prioritize faster processing for qualified applicants to maintain a steady flow of talent. Moreover, his proposed Global Skills Strategy update aims to attract international talent through fast-track permit processing, which could potentially extend to student applications.

The Canada student visa process is likely to maintain the current online application system, as IRCC continues to require digital submissions for most applicants. Nevertheless, recent regulatory changes requiring study permit applicants to submit Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letters (TAL) will remain in effect, potentially affecting processing times as additional verification steps are needed.

Possible changes to IELTS and academic requirements

The ielts requirement for Canada student visa has been a cornerstone of the application process and appears unlikely to change drastically under Carney’s administration. Currently, undergraduate programs typically require a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 in each band with an overall score of 6.0, whereas graduate programs demand a minimum of 6.0 per band with an overall 6.5 score. Engineering and education programs maintain higher standards, requiring a minimum overall score of 7.0.

As a result of the 10% decrease in study permit allocations for 2025 (437,000 permits compared to 485,000 in 2024), competition for spots will intensify. Therefore, exceeding minimum Canada student visa requirements may become increasingly important for successful applications.

The documents required for Canada student visa in 2025 will continue to include:

• Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution
• Proof of financial support for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
• Valid passport or travel document
• Potential police certificates and medical examination results

Alongside these existing requirements, Carney’s emphasis on supporting higher education institutions might lead to additional scrutiny of academic credentials. Furthermore, starting November 2024, Designated Learning Institutions must participate in student compliance reporting and letter of acceptance verification, suggesting tighter controls on academic authenticity.

In essence, while core requirements will likely remain stable, the application process may become more selective given the reduced cap on permits. Students planning to apply should prepare for potentially higher standards and stronger competition as Canada balances its educational needs with infrastructure capacities.

How Will Visa Fees and Documentation Be Affected?

As Carney’s government settles in, financial considerations and paperwork requirements for international students need careful attention. Financial planning for your Canada student visa application requires understanding current fees and documentation standards, which could see adjustments under the new administration.

Canada student visa fees in Indian rupees

The standard study permit application fee currently stands at CAD 150 (approximately INR 8,530). This fee applies to both new applications and extensions for existing permits. For students who need to restore their status after it has lapsed, the cost increases substantially to CAD 350 (approximately INR 19,903), which includes both the restoration fee and a new study permit.

In addition to these base fees, you must budget for biometrics collection, which costs:

• CAD 85 (approximately INR 4,832) per individual applicant
• CAD 170 (approximately INR 9,664) for families applying together

Recent fee adjustments have occurred across several immigration programs, with the latest changes for permanent residence applications implemented on April 30, 2024. Although student visa fees remained stable throughout 2024, experts advise monitoring the IRCC website closely, as Carney’s government might review fee structures alongside their planned immigration system reforms.

For payment, you have multiple options – credit card for online applications, cash payments at Visa Application Centers, or demand drafts drawn in favor of the High Commission of Canada. Subsequently, you’ll receive a payment receipt that serves as proof of fee submission.

Documents required for Canada student visa in 2025

Under Carney’s administration, a new documentation requirement introduced on January 30, 2024, remains in effect – all study permit applicants must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from their intended province of study. This letter must contain:

1. Your full name and date of birth
2. Current residential address
3. Confirmation of your allocation within the province’s student permit quota

Alongside this newer requirement, the core documentation package includes:

• A valid passport (validity exceeding your planned study period)
• Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Proof of financial resources covering tuition fees, living expenses (minimum CAD 10,000 per year), and return transportation
• Immigration Medical Examination results
• Biometric information (photograph and fingerprints)
• Statement of purpose explaining your educational goals

Firstly, ensure you’re using current application forms. On January 30, 2024, IRCC released a new version of the study permit extension application form (IMM5709), and applications using older versions are no longer accepted.

For those planning to change schools, although your study permit may still be valid, you must apply for an extension, and your new institution must be a designated learning institution. Correspondingly, if you’re bringing family members, children accompanying you to Canada will need their own study permits, which should ideally be applied for simultaneously with yours.

Can Students Expect Faster Approvals and PR Pathways?

International students looking towards Canada face two critical questions after Carney’s election: will visa processing speed up, and what permanent residency pathways remain viable? These concerns have grown following recent policy shifts that have already affected thousands of applicants.

Canada student visa processing time under review

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently upgraded its online processing times tool, now offering forward-looking estimates that are updated monthly. This enhancement allows you to make more accurate travel and academic plans based on realistic timelines. Unlike previous backward-looking calculations, the new system predicts wait times for applications submitted today.

The discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which previously offered expedited processing for students from countries including India, marks a significant change. Applications submitted after November 8 now route through the standard application process, potentially resulting in longer waits. Indeed, experts advise allowing 8-10 weeks for visa approvals.

Nevertheless, IRCC has committed to improving processing efficiency across all immigration streams. The department emphasizes that processing times vary based on:

• Application completeness
• Information verification ease
• Response time to requests
• Application volume

Carney’s economic vision and skilled immigration

Fundamentally, Carney understands the connection between education and economic growth. His campaign voiced support for the Century Initiative—a plan to grow Canada’s population to 100 million by 2100 through immigration. This vision could benefit skilled Indian professionals, primarily in healthcare, construction, and technology sectors.

Post-graduation pathways to permanent residency remain accessible through several programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)—requiring one year of skilled Canadian work experience
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)—point-based system favoring education and work experience
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)—tailored to regional needs

Most international graduates qualify for post-graduation work permits, allowing them to gain valuable Canadian work experience that strengthens their permanent residency applications. Throughout this process, Express Entry often serves as the first step, with invitations based on your Comprehensive Ranking System score.

Carney’s economic background suggests continued support for attracting top talent while addressing housing and infrastructure pressures. His government is expected to maintain favorable policies for students and professionals, possibly leading to smoother permanent residency processing for qualified applicants.

What Should Indian Applicants Do Now?

Amidst policy transitions following the election, proactive preparation is your best strategy for a successful Canada student visa application. Given processing times of approximately 15 weeks for Indian students, acting decisively now is essential.

Tips for navigating the Canada student visa process

Begin your application immediately after receiving your acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Initially, ensure you have these mandatory documents:

• Valid passport
• Letter of acceptance from your DLI
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL)
• Proof of sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
• Immigration Medical Examination results (if your program exceeds six months)
• Police verification certificate

Apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website unless you have a disability preventing online applications. After submission, promptly complete biometrics within 30 days of receiving instructions. Specifically, track your application status through email updates provided by IRCC.

Expert advice on preparing for upcoming changes

Currently, maintaining eligibility after arrival is equally important. Once in Canada, you must remain enrolled at your DLI and demonstrate reasonable progress toward completing your program. Failure to comply may result in removal from Canada.

Presently, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours weekly during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Essentially, understanding these parameters helps you plan financially.

Prior to arrival, read the pre-departure guide provided by Immigration Canada for valuable information about student life. Likewise, prepare documentation proving ties to your home country, such as evidence of family connections or assets, which officers may request upon entry.

Finally, consider timing your arrival strategically. Primarily, give yourself reasonable preparation time before classes begin, yet remember you cannot work on or off campus until your studies officially commence. The Student Direct Stream program ended on November 9, 2024, hence all applications now follow standard processing procedures.

Your Canadian Educational Journey

The election of Mark Carney undoubtedly marks a pivotal moment for international education in Canada. Throughout this period of transition, Indian students face both challenges and opportunities as Canada recalibrates its immigration policies. Certainly, the decline in student numbers, stricter documentation requirements, and processing caps reflect significant shifts in the educational landscape. Nevertheless, Canada remains committed to attracting qualified international talent while addressing domestic concerns about infrastructure and sustainability.

For prospective applicants, this evolving situation demands careful preparation and strategic planning. First thing to remember, the new requirement for Provincial Attestation Letters adds another verification layer to your application process. Additionally, though processing times have improved for certain categories, allowing 8-10 weeks for standard applications serves as a practical guideline. Despite these changes, Carney’s economic background suggests continued support for pathways connecting education to skilled immigration.

As you consider your Canadian educational journey, remember that exceeding minimum requirements becomes increasingly important during periods of heightened competition. Above all, maintaining complete documentation, understanding current fee structures, and following proper application procedures significantly improve your chances of approval. Therefore, while policy adjustments may cause temporary uncertainty, properly prepared applications still stand excellent chances of success.

Last but not least, the potential reset in India-Canada relations under Carney’s leadership might eventually streamline processes for Indian applicants. Correspondingly, staying informed about policy developments through official channels helps you adapt to new requirements. After all, your educational goals remain achievable with proper planning, regardless of policy fluctuations that may occur during this political transition.