21.43°C Vancouver

Nov 14, 2024 5:57 PM - Connect Newsroom

Record Number of International Students File Asylum Claims Amid Crackdown on Study Visas

Share On
record-number-of-international-students-file-asylum-claims-amid-crackdown-on-study-visas
According to Immigration Minister Mark Miller, many students entering Canada on study permits make false claims and are advised to do so by external counsel.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

A record 14,000 international students filed asylum claims in the first nine months of this year amid Canada's crackdown on study visas and temporary residency.

According to Immigration Minister Mark Miller, many students entering Canada on study permits make false claims and are advised to do so by external counsel.

Federal immigration data shows that 13,660 international students attending universities and colleges filed asylum claims between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30 this year, compared to nearly 12,000 asylum claims filed by international students throughout the entire year of 2023. In 2018, the number was only 1,810.

This figure is expected to rise even further in 2024, as data for the remaining three months of the year is yet to be released. At the same time, international student permits have fallen by 100,000 in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, indicating that fewer students are being approved to come to Canada.

Latest news

CanadaMay 21, 2026

Ontario investigating suspected Ebola case linked to East Africa travel

Ontario health officials say a patient who recently returned from East Africa has been hospitalized and tested for Ebola as a precautionary measure. A spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Health said the testing is being conducted under established medical protocols and “out of an abundance of caution.” Officials said there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in the province. Public health authorities said infection-control measures have been implemented to reduce any potential risk of transmission. Officials also emphasized that Ebola does not spread easily through the air and said
CanadaMay 21, 2026

Toronto Pearson airport baggage tag scam linked to international drug smuggling investigation

A suspected international drug smuggling network operating through Toronto Pearson International Airport has been uncovered following the arrest of six baggage and ramp employees over the past year, according to reports citing an RCMP investigation. Authorities allege the scheme involved switching baggage tags on passengers’ luggage and replacing them with suitcases containing illegal drugs destined for international locations. The operation allegedly led to several innocent Canadian travellers being detained abroad on drug trafficking allegations. Reports indicate at least 17 passengers wer
AlbertaMay 21, 2026

Edmonton police seize $8M worth of cocaine in multi-province drug investigation

Edmonton police say a nearly two-year joint investigation involving police agencies in Ontario and Winnipeg has led to the seizure of $37.2 million worth of illegal drugs across Canada and the arrest of 33 people. According to the Edmonton Police Service, officers executed a search warrant on April 16 in the area of 109 Street and Jasper Avenue, where investigators seized approximately 80 kilograms of cocaine, 176 grams of methamphetamine, 50 pounds of buffing agent, a firearm, ammunition and about $30,000 in cash. Police estimated the street value of the cocaine at roughly $8 million. A 21-ye
carney-says-new-oil-pipeline-would-require-emissions-plan-indigenous-consultation
BCMay 20, 2026

Carney says new oil pipeline would require emissions plan, Indigenous consultation

Prime Minister Mark Carney says any future oil pipeline connecting Alberta to the British Columbia coast would depend on conditions including a major emissions-reduction project, economic benefits for B.C., and constitutionally required consultation with First Nations. Speaking to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Carney said the pipeline proposal discussed last week between the federal and Alberta governments would only move forward alongside the proposed Pathways Alliance carbon capture project. He said Indigenous consultation under Section 35 of the Constitution is “non-negotiable.”
AlbertaMay 20, 2026

Alberta ticket wins $12.5M share of Lotto Max jackpot

A Lotto Max ticket purchased in Alberta has won a $12.5-million share of the latest jackpot draw, according to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. The corporation said the winning ticket was sold somewhere in Alberta outside the Edmonton and Calgary regions. Another winning ticket was sold in Quebec, splitting the $25-million jackpot between the two winners. Lottery officials said the Alberta ticket holder has one year from the draw date to claim the prize. The winning location and ticket holder have not yet been identified publicly. The jackpot split means multiple winners matched all sev

Related News