Canada is experiencing an unprecedented rise in asylum claims from international students, driven by shrinking pathways to permanent residency. According to federal immigration data obtained by *Global News*, approximately 20,000 foreign students sought asylum in 2024—nearly double the number from 2023 and six times higher than in 2019. The trend shows no signs of slowing, with 5,500 claims filed in the first quarter of 2025 alone, marking a 22% increase compared to the same period last year.
The surge follows tighter immigration measures implemented by the Canadian government, which has restricted opportunities for international students to transition to permanent residency through traditional channels. Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to reduce immigration to what he calls “sustainable levels,” including cutting the proportion of international students from 7% to 5% of Canada’s population by 2027. The move aims to alleviate pressure on housing, public infrastructure, and social services.
These policies build on earlier reforms by the Trudeau administration, which imposed caps on foreign student visas, restricted work hours, and targeted exploitative “diploma mills.” Critics argue that some sectors have taken advantage of international students, leaving many with credentials of little value in the job market.
Immigration lawyers warn that asylum claims—and the resulting backlog—will continue to grow unless processing is expedited. While refugees are not the primary cause of Canada’s housing and healthcare crises, their increasing numbers may exacerbate existing strains.
The Immigration Department notes that study permits often cover multiple years, meaning the full impact of recent visa caps has yet to be felt. Officials also emphasize that asylum seekers represent only a small fraction of international students. Nevertheless, the trend highlights the growing challenges faced by foreign students seeking long-term stability in Canada.
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