Nearly 14,000 international students in Canada filed asylum claims in the first nine months of 2024, a record high that comes despite a drop in new study permits, according to federal immigration data.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller suggested many claims may be fraudulent, citing advice from consultants rather than changes in students’ home countries as the likely driver.
“It is quite obvious someone that’s been here a year or even more, claiming asylum where no conditions have changed in their home country – it doesn’t smell good, it doesn’t look good,” Miller said.
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The surge in asylum claims coincides with a decrease of more than 100,000 new international student permits compared to the same period in 2023. Most claims came from students from India, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Miller has asked the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to investigate whether licensed consultants are inappropriately advising students to seek asylum. The college’s president, John Murray, said violators could face criminal sanctions and license revocation.
Refugee advocates criticized the government’s stance. Tanja Maleska, co-executive director of the Canadian Council of Refugees, said the government has “vilified” students after sending mixed messages about immigration pathways.
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The highest numbers of claims came from students at Conestoga College, Seneca College, and Niagara College. Conestoga reported being unaware of asylum seekers among its students, while Niagara College said it had not been contacted by immigration authorities about the issue.
Conservative immigration critic Tom Kmiec blamed government policies for the increase, calling Miller’s focus on consultants “an abdication of leadership” given previous approval of large numbers of student visas.
This is just one portion of the issue as these claims come with a hefty price tag. According to a March 2024 government document, asylum claimants staying at IRCC-operated hotels receive accommodation at an average cost of $140 per night per room, plus $84 per day per person for meals, based on January 2024 rates.
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