Canada has seen an unprecedented rise in asylum applications filed by international students, with nearly 14,000 claims lodged in the first nine months of 2024, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This represents a 14% increase compared to the nearly 12,000 claims recorded in 2023, a dramatic leap from just 1,810 claims in 2018.
The countries most represented among these asylum seekers include India, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The data suggests that many of these claims may not stem from deteriorating conditions in their home countries but instead from fraudulent advice provided by unscrupulous immigration consultants.
Concerns Over Misrepresentation
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has expressed alarm at the growing trend, attributing the rise partly to unethical practices by immigration consultants. In a letter to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), Miller highlighted the exploitation of international students who are being misled into filing baseless asylum claims to gain a foothold in Canada.
Miller commended the CICC for shutting down over 3,000 unauthorized websites but emphasized the need to investigate licensed consultants who might be complicit in such practices. He warned that these actions could violate professional codes of conduct and undermine the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
“While Canada remains committed to providing refuge to those in genuine need, counseling individuals to misrepresent their cases for personal gain contradicts the principles of our immigration policies,” wrote Miller.
Rising Opportunism
According to the minister, some international students have been encouraged to file asylum claims shortly after arriving in Canada, often under dubious pretenses, such as reducing tuition fees by qualifying for domestic rates. Many of these claims are reportedly filed within the first year of arrival, further raising suspicions.
The surge in claims coincides with broader debates on immigration policies in Canada, especially as the country prepares for federal elections. Anti-immigration sentiment has been gaining ground, with critics blaming lax regulations and inadequate oversight of immigration consultants for the current state of affairs.
Systemic Challenges
Daljit Nirman, an Ottawa-based immigration lawyer, and professor, pointed to systemic flaws in Canada’s immigration framework. “The immigration system is riddled with issues, including unregulated consultants and poor governance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Canadian educational institutions, particularly those with large international student populations, have been linked to the increase in asylum seekers. Ontario colleges like Conestoga College (520 claims), Seneca College (490), and Niagara College (410) topped the list for asylum claims in 2024.
Policy Revisions
In response to these challenges, the Canadian government has tightened its immigration policies. In September 2024, it reduced the international study permit target by 10%, aiming to curb the influx of temporary residents. The IRCC has also flagged over 10,000 acceptance letters from Canadian institutions as potentially fraudulent, reflecting the scale of the issue.
This crackdown followed a high-profile case involving an Indian immigration consultant who issued fake acceptance letters to thousands of students, resulting in deportation hearings for many.
Looking Ahead
As Canada navigates this complex issue, the future of its immigration policies remains uncertain. Questions linger about the measures a new government, potentially led by opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, might adopt to address the growing concerns.
For now, the rise in asylum claims underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight, transparent regulations, and a balanced approach to supporting international students while safeguarding the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
