Is Canada Still Safe for International Students?

In recent years, Canada has emerged as one of the top destinations for international students. However, a significant and troubling trend has surfaced—an unprecedented surge in asylum claims by international students. With over 20,245 asylum claims in 2024 and numbers continuing to rise in 2025, this dramatic shift reveals the complex struggles these students face under Canada’s tightening immigration policies. As Prime Minister Mark Carney aims to reshape Canada Immigration policies, international students find themselves at a critical and uncertain crossroads.

1. Breakdown of Traditional Immigration Pathways

One of the most pressing factors behind the increase in asylum claims is the shrinking availability of traditional immigration routes. Students who once relied on post-graduate work permits and transitions to permanent residency are finding these avenues increasingly inaccessible. Immigration experts like Chantal Desloges emphasize how the Canadian government’s crackdown has effectively “closed a lot of doors,” compelling many to view asylum as their only hope.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented significant restrictions, including a 40% cut in study permits and tighter work regulations for students and their spouses. These limitations are particularly damaging for students from conflict-affected countries who initially saw Canada as a safe haven. The system that once welcomed them now presents more obstacles than opportunities.

For further details on the evolving ministerial approach to immigration, explore Lena Metlege Diab's role as Canada's new immigration minister.

2. Exploitation by Private Colleges

A significant number of international students end up in under-regulated private colleges, sometimes referred to as "diploma mills." These institutions often fail to deliver quality education or career pathways, leaving students disillusioned and vulnerable. In 2024, the institutions with the highest asylum claims included Conestoga College, Seneca College, and Collège Ellis – Trois-Rivières.

Many students, particularly those from French-speaking African nations, are lured by the promise of a better future but arrive to find inadequate academic support and bleak employment prospects. These experiences push them toward the asylum system as a last resort, not out of desire but necessity.

3. Systemic Backlog and Bureaucratic Hurdles

The surge in asylum applications has severely strained Canada’s immigration infrastructure. As of early 2025, the Immigration and Refugee Board is grappling with a backlog of over 281,000 cases. This logjam delays the processing of genuine asylum claims and adds another layer of uncertainty for international students who are already in precarious situations.

The asylum process demands that each claimant prove a "well-founded fear of persecution" in their home country. For students who may not meet this standard but have no other legal options, the road ahead is fraught with emotional and financial strain.

Learn more about the criteria and process for securing a study permit in Canada.

4. Political Pressures and Public Sentiment

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration is under intense pressure to address Canada’s housing crisis and overburdened public services. Critics argue that temporary residents, including students, contribute to these problems. In response, Carney has committed to reducing temporary residents to below 5% of the population by 2027, down from the current 7%.

However, this stance overlooks the economic and cultural contributions of international students. Legal experts like Warren Creates argue that blaming students for systemic issues such as housing shortages is both unfair and counterproductive. The political climate thus adds another layer of vulnerability to an already marginalized group.

5. Changing Perception of Canada as a Destination

Canada has long been viewed as a beacon for international students, offering world-class education, a multicultural environment, and a clear pathway to permanent residency. That image is now being challenged. With increased restrictions, growing backlogs, and negative political rhetoric, Canada risks losing its appeal to future international talent.

The country must balance its immigration goals with compassionate and practical solutions. This includes cracking down on exploitative institutions, improving communication with colleges, and preserving legitimate pathways for students to transition to permanent residency.

For tailored guidance on navigating these complex immigration shifts, schedule a consultation with A2Zimmi's expert advisors.

The dramatic rise in asylum claims among international students is not merely a statistical anomaly—it is a reflection of deep-rooted issues within Canada’s current immigration framework. From restricted immigration routes to systemic exploitation and bureaucratic delays, students are increasingly left with no choice but to seek asylum as a last resort.

As Prime Minister Mark Carney's government continues to reshape Canada Visa and immigration policies, it is crucial for stakeholders to adopt a more compassionate and comprehensive approach. Institutions, policymakers, and legal advisors must work collaboratively to safeguard the interests of international students while maintaining national priorities.

Visit A2Zimmi or schedule a consultation here to get expert advice today!