Canada’s Immigration Minister Raises Concern Over Surge in Asylum Claims Among International Students

Last month, Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller issued a stark warning about the escalating number of asylum claims originating from international students, deeming the trend “alarming” and “totally unacceptable.”

During a pre-cabinet meeting held on Parliament Hill, Miller drew attention to the concerning rise in asylum applications, citing instances such as Toronto’s Seneca College, where asylum claims from international students surged from 300 in 2022 to nearly 700 in 2023. Similarly, at Kitchener’s Conestoga College, claims skyrocketed from 106 to 450 during the same period, as reported by The Canadian Press.

The authenticity of these figures was verified by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, as confirmed in a recent report by the Waterloo Region Record.

A comprehensive investigation conducted by CBC unveiled that Conestoga College topped the list of Canadian educational institutions with the highest number of international student study permit applications approved in 2023. Impressively, the college witnessed a staggering acceptance of 30,395 international students, more than double the figures of the subsequent institution, University Canada West B.C., which welcomed 13,913 international students during the same period. Fanshawe College secured the third spot with 11,706 international enrollments.

Remarkably, Conestoga College also led in study permit extension approvals, with over 6,600 students receiving extensions in 2023, surpassing all other educational institutions in the country, according to reports by the Waterloo Region Record.

To address the mounting pressures on housing, healthcare, and services stemming from the influx of international students, Miller unveiled plans in January to implement measures aimed at stabilizing student numbers. These measures include imposing a two-year cap on study permit applications, with the 2024 cap set at 360,000 permits, marking a 35% reduction from 2023 levels. Exceptions are granted for master’s, doctoral, and K-12 students.

Furthermore, adjustments to the cost-of-living requirements for study permit applicants were introduced to better reflect the actual living expenses in Canada and mitigate student vulnerability and exploitation. New applicants are now mandated to demonstrate possession of at least $20,000, a significant increase from the previous requirement of $10,000.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada expressed confidence that these alterations to the international student program would help stem the tide of asylum claims in the foreseeable future. The federal department emphasized the necessity of providing adequate support for international students to ensure their success in Canada, particularly amidst the rapid increase in student arrivals and the subsequent strain on resources.

Asylum seekers from India have notably seen a surge in recent years, with approximately 3,500 claims recorded in 2022, nearly half of which were accepted. This marks a significant rise from the less than 20 claims accepted from India in 2014, as reported by CBC.

Parvasi Media Group