Nearly 14,000 asylum claims were filed by international students in the first nine months of 2024, marking a record surge in claims that has sparked concern among immigration officials and policymakers. According to federal immigration data, 13,660 claims were submitted between January and September by students attending universities and colleges across Canada. This increase occurred despite a significant drop in new study permits being issued, leading to questions about the factors driving this trend and its impact on Canada’s immigration system.
The rise in asylum claims has been linked to various factors, including stricter permanent residency rules that have made it harder for international students to stay in Canada after graduation. As a result, some students may be turning to asylum claims as a last resort to extend their stay. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has raised concerns that many of these claims are being filed under false pretenses, based on misleading advice from immigration consultants. He noted that some students are being encouraged to file claims even when there is no significant change in conditions in their home countries.
Minister Miller cited anecdotal evidence from department officials suggesting that some consultants may be advising students to misuse the asylum system. He emphasized that asylum claims should only be made in genuine cases of danger or persecution. The sharp rise in asylum applications, especially from students who have been in Canada for only a short period, has raised red flags. Miller pointed out that it seems unlikely that so many students would suddenly face dangerous conditions in their home countries, indicating potential misuse of the system.
The schools with the highest numbers of asylum claims this year include Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario, which saw 520 claims, Seneca College with 490 claims, and Niagara College Canada with 410. These institutions, which have large populations of international students, have become focal points in the investigation into potential abuse of the asylum process. The students filing these claims predominantly come from countries such as India, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In response to the rise in claims, Minister Miller has called for an investigation by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to determine whether immigration consultants are advising students to file false asylum claims. The college, which regulates immigration consultants in Canada, has committed to working closely with the government to address these concerns. Consultants found to be encouraging fraudulent claims could face severe penalties, including license revocation and criminal charges.
The surge in asylum claims coincides with broader changes to Canada’s immigration policies, particularly those affecting international students. In January 2024, the government introduced a two-year cap on study permit applications to slow the rapid growth of international students entering Canada. Since September, students attending certain private career colleges have been ineligible for post-graduation work permits, a move aimed at reducing the number of students staying in Canada after completing their studies.
The rise in asylum claims has fueled a larger debate about the role of international students in Canada’s immigration system and their impact on housing, healthcare, and other public services. While international students contribute significantly to Canada’s economy through tuition fees and living expenses, their increasing numbers have put pressure on already strained resources. The housing crisis in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where many international students live, has worsened as temporary residents, including students, compete for limited rental properties.
Canada’s healthcare system has also felt the strain, as the growing number of international students has increased demand for medical services. Critics argue that the surge in temporary residents, combined with the rising number of asylum seekers, has exacerbated these issues. However, supporters of the international student program point to the long-term economic benefits, as many students transition into skilled workers who contribute to the Canadian labor market.
As the federal government investigates the rise in asylum claims and the role of immigration consultants, further reforms may be introduced to tighten the rules governing international students and asylum applications. Minister Miller has stressed that the asylum system should not be used as a loophole to extend temporary stays in Canada, and that the integrity of Canada’s immigration system must be preserved.
With three months of data yet to be counted, the total number of asylum claims in 2024 is expected to rise even further. This unprecedented trend is likely to prompt further scrutiny and potentially significant changes in how Canada manages its international student population and processes asylum claims. The outcome of these investigations could reshape the future of Canada’s immigration policies, as the country balances its need for skilled immigrants with the challenges posed by rising asylum claims and the strain on public resources.
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