After the H-1B rise, is Canada emerging as the #1 destination for Indian students?

The United States has been the top choice for Indian students looking to further their studies overseas for many years. Generations of Indian families have invested in the “American dream” because of the draw of highly regarded universities, innovative research, and the prospect of wealthy professions. Deep uncertainty has been brought about by recent changes to US immigration laws, especially the sharp increase in the cost of an H-1B visa.

This has sped up a trend that was already in motion: more Indian students are choosing Canada as their top educational destination.

THE H-1B FEE HIKE’S IMPACT

The international student and professional community has been rocked by the recent decision to increase H-1B visa fees to an unprecedented amount. The message is unmistakable for Indian students, who comprise the majority of H-1B applicants: the American educational road to employment has become far more expensive and unpredictable. Families are now reevaluating the risk-to-reward ratio after previously considering US education as a surefire method to secure long–term employment prospects.

For the majority of Indian families, education is an investment in their children’s future jobs as well as an academic endeavor. That investment appears less secure as job opportunities become uncertain and the cost increases.

The growing appeal of Canada

Canada, on the other hand, has consistently improved its standing as a country that welcomes students. Many people believe that its immigration policies are stable, open, and friendly. Clear avenues to permanent residency and the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) give Indian students real, long-term opportunities that are frequently absent from the US model.

Furthermore, Canada has established itself as a premium but reasonably priced substitute. Canadian colleges constantly provide excellent academic results, career help, and business connections, even though they do not necessarily have the same worldwide brand awareness as Ivy League schools. When considering return on investment, Indian families find Canada to be quite appealing due to its affordability and employment.

This preference was confirmed by a 2025 ApplyBoard survey, which found that 94% of study abroad applicants chose Canada as their top choice, citing affordability, safety, and immigration-friendly regulations as key considerations.

“The recent H-1B fee hike and related policy changes in the U have created significant uncertainty for Indian students and professionals, making the overall cost and risk of pursuing education and work in the US much higher,” says Linea Dacosta, Director, Recruitment, Huron University. In that regard, I think Huron University and Canada offer students additional opportunities for success.

In addition to affordability and academic excellence, Huron offers international students immigration rules that are intended to safeguard and assist them. Canada is becoming more and more of a preferred location for Indian families that see education as a long-term investment, especially when it comes to employment chances. Huron has already witnessed this change firsthand, as evidenced by a notable increase in inquiries, which she says reflects rising interest in programs that link academic brilliance with tangible job benefits.

Employment as a determining element

Employment prospects following graduation continue to be the most significant consideration for Indian parents and students when selecting a study place. Although the US still provides top-notch education, the post-study transition is much more uncertain due to its convoluted visa procedures, lottery-based H-1B selection, and recent outrageous fee increases.

Canada, on the other hand, has aligned its education system with immigration and labour market needs. Students are not just trained academically but also given clear avenues to transition into the workforce. This predictability resonates strongly with Indian families, who value security and clarity when making such a large financial and emotional investment.

This shift is already evident in the mobility trends of Indian students. While US enrollment growth has slowed recently, the number of Indian students in Canada has increased rapidly. Indian students are applying in record numbers to Canadian universities, and schools like Huron University College, which is part of the University of Western Ontario, are seeing an increase in inquiries and enrollments from Indian families looking for a top-notch education combined with successful employment outcomes.

This momentum will only be accelerated by the increase in H-1B fees. As more families become aware of the growing expenses and dangers associated with US job paths, Canada will become more than simply a viable option; it will become the top choice for many.