In the first nine months of 2024, nearly 14,000 asylum applications were filed by international students in Canada, up from 12,000 in 2023. Indian students accounted for over 14% of these claims, with 2,290 applications. Following India, the countries with the highest numbers of asylum-seeking students were Nigeria (1,990), Ghana (1,385), Guinea (1,095), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (950), according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data.
This increase coincides with a projected 47% decline in Canadian study permit processing in 2024 compared to 2023. Students from India and Nigeria, who collectively account for over 27% of asylum claims, experienced nearly a 50% drop in study permits issued in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023. Despite this, both countries remain top source nations for international students in Canada, with 151,340 students from India and 21,040 from Nigeria receiving study permits in 2024, demonstrating a correlation between high student volumes and asylum claims.
The majority of asylum-seeking students are from Asia and Africa, with Rwanda (775), Iran (630), Bangladesh (445), Cameroon (405), and Ivory Coast (385) also contributing significantly. Some South Asian countries, despite sending fewer students, have notable asylum claims, such as Sri Lanka (280) and Pakistan (115). These numbers reflect broader regional challenges like political instability and economic hardship.
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Chinese students, despite declining numbers due to worsening diplomatic ties and rising living costs, remain a significant group in Canada, with 50,000–60,000 Chinese students annually. In 2024, 355 Chinese students sought asylum, often citing political dissent or minority status. Other countries with notable asylum claims include Jordan (350), Burundi (270), Senegal (215), and Haiti (195).
Regionally, Sub-Saharan Africa led in asylum applications from students (8,830), followed by South Asia (3,295), the Middle East and North Africa (1,460), East and Southeast Asia, South America (295), and Europe (135). Only five US students applied for asylum.
The IRCC emphasized that asylum applications are assessed individually by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, based on evidence and arguments provided by claimants. A spokesperson clarified that the volume of asylum claims does not reflect the integrity of temporary visa, study, or work permit processes. In some cases, temporary residents make asylum claims due to changes in their home countries while in Canada.
Canadian immigration officials have raised concerns about asylum fraud. Immigration Minister Marc Miller recently addressed the issue of third-party advisers encouraging students to misrepresent information in asylum claims, emphasizing that such practices contradict Canada’s immigration principles. In a letter to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, he reiterated Canada’s commitment to assisting those in genuine need while cautioning against exploitation of the asylum process.