Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
The Rise of Asylum Claims Among International Students
Canada faces a surge in asylum claims from international students, prompting policy changes
Canada Sees Increase in Foreign Student Asylum Claims
On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of Asylum Claims by International Students
- Top Countries of Origin for Asylum Seekers
- Factors Contributing to the Rise in Claims
- Governmental Actions to Address the Situation
- Comparative Data on Indian Students in Canada and the US
Summary:
Canada is experiencing a notable rise in asylum claims from international students, with a significant increase observed in the first quarter of 2025. This trend is particularly pronounced among students from nations such as India and Nigeria. The Canadian government is introducing measures to curb the influx of temporary residents, including international students, to alleviate pressures on housing and social services. The phenomenon reflects broader migration patterns, with Indian students also seeking asylum in the United States.
In recent years, Canada has seen a sharp increase in asylum claims from international students, a trend that has escalated in early 2025. According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 5,500 claims were made by students in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 22 percent increase from the same period in 2024. The previous year witnessed 20,245 claims, almost double from 2023 and significantly higher than in 2019.
While the number of asylum claims is on the rise, the IRCC emphasizes that the proportion of permit holders claiming asylum remains small relative to the total number of permits issued. Nevertheless, the surge is noteworthy, prompting discussions about its implications and underlying causes.
Top Countries of Origin
The majority of these asylum claims in 2024 originated from India, Nigeria, Guinea, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These countries have been prominent in the migration landscape, contributing a significant number of students seeking educational opportunities in Canada.
Reasons for the Rise
The increase in asylum claims can be attributed to a variety of factors. Many students arrive in Canada with the hope of beginning new lives, often turning to asylum when other immigration pathways become inaccessible. Additionally, some students face exploitative conditions at private educational institutions, which offer degrees with limited value in the job market. Such institutions have been labeled as "diploma mills," contributing to the precarious situation many students find themselves in.
Darshan Maharaja, an immigration analyst based in Canada, highlighted that many Indian students might be inclined to seek asylum due to Canada's political climate, which tends to be more sympathetic towards potential deportees. Support networks within the country also play a role in encouraging students to pursue this route.
Student Asylum Claims by College
In 2024, several colleges were identified as having high numbers of asylum claims from international students. Among them, Conestoga College, Seneca College, and Université du Québec à Chicoutimi saw the most claims. The institutions have expressed varied responses, with some, like Ellis College, contemplating stricter admission policies for students from certain regions.
Government’s Move to Reduce Numbers
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced measures aimed at reducing the number of international students and temporary residents. On May 2, 2025, Carney proposed capping temporary residents at under five percent of Canada’s population by 2027, down from the current seven percent. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to alleviate the strain on housing, public infrastructure, and social services.
In line with this goal, Ottawa slashed study permits by 40 percent in 2024 and imposed restrictions on work hours for foreign students, as well as tightened rules for spousal work permits. Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller described the current system as "overheated," citing the proliferation of low-value educational credentials.
India Leads in Foreign Student Numbers
Indian students make up more than 40 percent of the international student population in Canada, followed by China, which accounts for approximately 10 percent. The trend of seeking asylum is not confined to Canada, as a study from Johns Hopkins University indicates a similar pattern in the United States, where asylum claims by Indian nationals surged by 466 percent between 2018 and 2023.
Is it Possible for an International Student to Claim Asylum in Canada?
International students can indeed apply for asylum in Canada if they demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. In 2023 alone, 13,660 such claims were filed, with a substantial number originating from Indian and Nigerian nationals. Although comprehensive data for 2024 and 2025 is not yet available, the trend appears to be continuing.
References
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- Global News Canada
- Johns Hopkins University Study
- Canadian Government Official Announcements
- Statistics Canada on Immigration
