Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has has written a letter to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultantstion to highlight the rising number of bogus asylum claims filed by international students, some of which are believed to be falsely advised by licensed consultants.
Miller’s intervention follows a record 13,660 asylum claims by international students in 2024, a sharp rise from 2023, despite a significant reduction in the approval of new study permits.
Miller, as per reports in the Canadian media, noted that some students, particularly from countries like India, Nigeria, and Ghana, are applying for asylum shortly after arriving, even though conditions in their home countries have not changed.
This has raised concerns about unethical guidance from immigration consultants, prompting Miller to urge the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to look into potential misconduct.
Miller’s office told The Globe and Mail reports about false claims have been relayed to department officials.
“The college works closely with IRCC and other partners to protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and will collaborate with IRCC to address the specific concerns raised by the minister.”
This development comes on the heels of a tighter immigration policy, including a national cap on study permits and stricter work permit rules.
The Trudeau government is balancing its immigration targets to address housing and healthcare pressures, while continuing to support students who genuinely need refuge.
Miller has previously emphasised that studying in Canada does not guarantee permanent residency, and students must follow a separate application process.
With changes in immigration policy, including the reduction of permanent residency quotas and the closure of the Student Direct Stream, the government aims to manage immigration flows responsibly while protecting Canada’s immigration system’s integrity.
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