Canada Sees Surge in Student Asylum Applications

Canada is witnessing a staggering 1500% increase in international students seeking asylum since 2018, raising concerns from Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who labeled the trend as 'alarming.' He indicated that many students are exploiting student visas to gain access to Canada and subsequently claim asylum to reduce their tuition costs, which are significantly higher for foreign students. The Canadian government is responding by imposing a reduction target on new study permits, aiming to decrease the number of international students by 35% in 2024 and 10% in 2025. Miller emphasized the need for universities and colleges to enhance their monitoring practices to prevent misuse of the immigration system. This growing trend not only places pressure on Canada's immigration system but also on public resources and housing, highlighting the need for systemic reforms. The government is actively exploring measures to address these challenges and improve the integrity of the international student program.