Last Updated On 14 May 2025, 8:52 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
A Record-Breaking Surge in Asylum Claims
Canada is undergoing a remarkable surge in asylum claims from international students, as highlighted by new data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) obtained by Global News. The numbers suggest that 2025 is on track to surpass the previous year’s record of 20,245 asylum claims from students, a trend that’s raising both alarm and questions across various sectors.
In 2024, asylum claims doubled compared to 2023 and soared sixfold since 2019, indicating a systemic issue. The first quarter of 2025 alone saw approximately 5,500 claims, reflecting a sharp 22% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Toronto-based immigration lawyers attribute this alarming rise to recent, stricter immigration policies that have effectively narrowed down pathways for students aiming for permanent residency.
“The government has shut down many regular pathways to permanent residence,” said an immigration lawyer. As restrictive measures tighten, opinions from various stakeholders become crucial in understanding the complexities behind this government trend.
The Impact of Immigration Policy Changes
In a statement earlier this year, Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated the need for sustainable immigration levels, echoing policies from his predecessor, Justin Trudeau. On May 2, 2025, he proposed capping the number of temporary workers and foreign students to below 5% of Canada’s population by 2027, a reduction from the current 7%.
This decision is aimed at alleviating strains on housing, public services, and healthcare systems, already under significant pressure. Ottawa also implemented a 40% reduction in study permits issued in 2024 to approximately 360,000, along with tighter regulations surrounding spousal work permits. According to former Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the immigration system has become “overheated,” prompting this decisive intervention.
Why Are Claims Rising?
Despite a reduction in issued study permits, asylum claims have continued to increase. Immigration experts point to the precarious statuses many foreign students find themselves in after graduating from institutions that may not hold significant value in the Canadian job market.
“Some students have diplomas that hold little value. They’re ensnared in a labyrinth of regulations and find themselves ineligible for work permits or permanent residency,” explains an immigration consultant. This precarious situation leads many students to claim asylum as a last resort.
The IRCC underscores that while the volume of asylum claims from permit holders may seem alarming, the total proportion remains relatively low compared to the overall number of permits issued.
Institutions Facing the Brunt of the Crisis
Several post-secondary institutions have emerged as key locations where asylum claims are prevalent. In 2024, the following colleges and universities reported significant numbers of claims:
- Conestoga College: 720 claims
- Seneca College: 650 claims
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi: 500 claims
- Niagara College: 495 claims
- Collège Ellis (Trois-Rivières): 475 claims
These institutions are visibly frustrated by the situation. For example, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi emphasizes its merit-based student selection process, which does not account for the intentions of students to later seek asylum. Niagara College expressed a desire to collaborate with government bodies but lamented a lack of communication regarding the asylum claims made by its students. In response, Collège Ellis is considering barring students from specific countries to avoid this complex situation in the future.
A Strained Asylum System
Navigating through the Canadian asylum process is no small feat; claimants must establish that they have a credible fear of persecution in their home country. Unfortunately, the system faces considerable backlogs, with the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) currently dealing with over 281,000 cases, leading to lengthy extensions in processing times.
While some critics express skepticism about the legitimacy of these student claims, experts affirm that many are grounded in valid concerns. For instance, a student from Ukraine may face drastically changed conditions in their home country since they initially arrived in Canada, making their asylum request entirely credible.
As political pressures to lower immigration weigh heavily, Canadian authorities wrestle with finding a balance. With mounting crises in housing and healthcare, there’s a growing outcry for solutions that not only support Canadian residents but also uphold humanitarian commitments to those in need.
The Path Forward: What Lies Ahead?
As asylum claims are projected to rise further in 2025, the Government of Canada is confronted with a series of challenging choices. The conversation is shifting toward finding sustainable and humane solutions to accommodate both immigrants and the existing population’s needs.
While the consequences of asylum claims are yet to unfold completely, the urgency for informed policy responses is more pressing than ever. Stay tuned for upcoming developments regarding Canadian immigration policies and their multifaceted impacts on society.
