Key Highlights

• An internal Canadian government communication alleges that some Indian students used "marriages of convenience" to obtain spousal work permits before eligibility rules changed in 2024.
• The report was cited by The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Sun.
• Canada restricted the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) programme in 2024 and tightened it further in 2025.
• The internal communication also raised concerns about English-language proficiency among some applicants and a decline in Indian study permit applications.
• The allegations relate to a subset of applicants and should not be interpreted as applying to Indian students generally.

Internal Report Raises Concerns Over Study Permit Applications

An internal communication from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has alleged that some Indian students seeking to study in Canada entered into "marriages of convenience" to enable their spouses to obtain work permits under Canada's former Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) programme.

According to reports by The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Sun, the observations were made in a March 2025 email written by Han Duan, who highlighted integrity concerns relating to certain study permit applications.

The email reportedly suggested that some applicants relied on non-genuine marriages to gain access to work permits for accompanying spouses before eligibility rules were tightened.

What Is the Spousal Open Work Permit?

The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) previously allowed spouses of many international students to work for any employer in Canada while accompanying the student.

The programme was designed to help families offset tuition fees and living expenses during the student's education.

However, in 2024, the Canadian government significantly narrowed eligibility by limiting the programme primarily to spouses of postgraduate students. Further changes introduced in January 2025 restricted eligibility mainly to spouses of students enrolled in doctoral programmes, selected professional degrees and postgraduate courses lasting at least 16 months.

Allegations of "Marriages of Convenience"

According to the reported email, some applicants allegedly entered into transactional or non-genuine marriages so that spouses could obtain work permits and contribute financially while studying in Canada.

The email reportedly claimed that such arrangements were openly advertised through newspapers and dating platforms in India.

Immigration lawyer Richard Kurland, who obtained the document through an access-to-information request, told Canadian media that organised immigration fraud had emerged as some overseas agents promoted study permits as pathways to employment and permanent residency.

These allegations are contained in the internal communication and do not constitute findings of guilt against individual applicants.

Other Concerns Highlighted in the Report

The internal communication also raised concerns regarding the quality of some study permit applications.

According to the reported email, officials observed:

• A decline in both the number and overall quality of some Indian study permit applications following policy reforms.
• Cases where certain applicants reportedly appeared to lack the expected English-language proficiency despite holding recognised language test certificates.
• A shift by some prospective Indian students towards countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Finland, which continued offering broader spousal visa options.

The email reportedly noted similar trends in other countries following changes to student visa policies.

Decline in Indian Study Permit Holders

According to figures from IRCC cited by Canadian media:

• 2023: 277,950 Indian study permit holders
• 2024: 188,125
• 2025: 93,840

The decline followed Canada's broader reforms to its international student programme, including limits on study permits and changes affecting spousal work permit eligibility.

Migration advocacy groups have argued that tighter immigration rules and policy uncertainty have influenced students' decisions on where to pursue higher education.

Why This Matters

Canada has long been one of the leading destinations for Indian students. Changes to study permit rules and spousal work permit eligibility have significantly affected international education flows and immigration pathways. While the internal report raises concerns about alleged misuse by some applicants, the allegations relate to a limited group and should not be interpreted as representative of the broader Indian student community, the vast majority of whom pursue education through legitimate channels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What did the Canadian report allege?

According to Canadian media reports, an internal government communication alleged that some Indian students entered into "marriages of convenience" so their spouses could obtain work permits.

What is the Spousal Open Work Permit?

The SOWP allows eligible spouses of certain international students to work in Canada while accompanying the student.

When did Canada change the rules?

Canada restricted eligibility for most undergraduate students' spouses in 2024 and tightened the rules further in January 2025.

Did the report accuse all Indian students?

No. The reported concerns relate to some applicants and should not be interpreted as applying to Indian students generally.

Why have Indian study permit numbers declined?

According to the report and migration experts, policy changes, tighter immigration rules and changing eligibility for spousal work permits have contributed to the decline.