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Canada is witnessing an unprecedented spike in asylum claims by international students, according to exclusive Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data obtained by Global News.

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The data indicates that 2025 is poised to break last year’s record of 20,245 asylum claims by international students in Canada.

As the federal government restricts pathways to permanent residency, experts warn the trend could intensify, putting pressure on housing, healthcare, and public services.A Record-Breaking Surge in Asylum Claims

In 2024, asylum claims by international students nearly doubled from 2023 and were six times higher than in 2019.

The first quarter of 2025 alone saw 5,500 claims—a 22% jump from the same period last year.
Immigration lawyers attribute this surge to stricter immigration policies, which have limited options for students seeking permanent residency.

“The government has shut down many regular pathways to permanent residence,” said a Toronto-based immigration lawyer. “This is pushing students toward claiming asylum as a last resort.”Prime Minister Mark Carney, echoing his predecessor Justin Trudeau, has vowed to reduce immigration to “sustainable levels.”

On May 2, 2025, Carney announced plans to cap temporary workers and foreign students at under 5% of the Canadian population by 2027, down from 7%.

“This will ease the strain on housing, infrastructure, and social services,” Carney stated.

To curb the influx, Ottawa slashed study permits by 40% in 2024 to approximately 360,000, restricted work hours for foreign students, and tightened spousal work permit rules.Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller called the system “overheated,” citing exploitation by “diploma mills” offering low-value credentials.

Why Are Claims Rising?

Despite fewer study permits, asylum claims continue to climb.

An immigration expert explains that many students, after earning diplomas from questionable institutions, find themselves ineligible for work permits or permanent residency.Some students have diplomas that hold little value in the job market. They’re stuck with no clear path forward,” immigration experts say.

The IRCC notes that study permits, often valid for multiple years, mean the full impact of permit cuts may not yet be felt.

“The proportion of permit holders claiming asylum remains small compared to total permits issued,” an IRCC spokesperson said. Colleges with the Highest Asylum Claims

In 2024, the following post-secondary institutions reported the highest claims for asylum from foreign students:

Conestoga College: 720 claims
Seneca College: 650 claims.

Université du Québec à Chicoutimi: 500 claims
Niagara College: 495 claims
Collège Ellis (Trois-Rivières): 475 claims
Affected institutions express frustration over their lack of control. Université du Québec à Chicoutimi selects students based on academic merit, unaware of their intentions to seek asylum.

Niagara College emphasized its willingness to collaborate with the government but noted it receives no notification of claims.

Collège Ellis highlighted a “significant communication gap” with immigration authorities and is considering barring students from certain countries due to the issue.

A Strained Asylum System

The Canadian asylum process requires claimants to prove a credible fear of persecution in their home country.

However, the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) is grappling with a backlog of over 281,000 cases, leading to lengthy delays.

While some question the legitimacy of student claims, immigration experts stress that many are valid.

“Take a student from Ukraine who arrived years ago—circumstances in their home country have drastically changed. Their claim isn’t fraudulent just because they were a student,” an immigration expert said.

Immigration specialists acknowledge the political pressure to reduce immigration.

“There’s a housing crisis and a healthcare crisis. Refugees haven’t caused these, but high immigration levels may worsen them.”

As the country navigates this complex issue, the debate intensifies: how can the country uphold its humanitarian commitments while addressing domestic challenges?
With claims for asylum on track to hit new highs in 2025, the government faces tough choices.

Stay informed on the Canadian immigration policies and their impact. Follow for updates on this developing story.

How many refugee claims are successful in Canada?

As per CBC News, the recognition rate—which is calculated by dividing the number of refugee claims that are approved by the Immigration and Refugee Board by the total number of applications that have been resolved on merit—rose from 64% in 2018 to 82% in the first nine months of 2024.

Which country sends the highest number of foreign students to Canada?

More than 40% of foreign students are from India, followed by 10% from China.

Is it possible for an international student to ask for asylum in Canada?

Yes, an international student can apply to claim asylum if they are able to prove they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.
Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon
Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.

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Fresh Tragedy Hits India As Helicopter Carrying Hindu Pilgrims Crashes, Kills All 7 On Board

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June 15, 2025

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Initial findings indicate that poor weather conditions likely played a role in the fatal incident.

India has suffered another aviation tragedy after a helicopter carrying Hindu pilgrims crashed, killing all seven people on board.

The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, went down just minutes after taking off from Kedarnath, a sacred pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand. It was en route to Guptkashi, another popular Himalayan destination for devotees.

 

According to officials cited by Sky News, the crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. local time in a densely forested area, several miles off the designated pilgrimage route.

Initial findings indicate that poor weather conditions likely played a role in the fatal incident.

 

Rescue and recovery operations are underway, while aviation authorities are expected to review safety protocols for flights operating in Uttarakhand’s challenging mountainous terrain.

 

This latest incident has sent shockwaves across the country, coming just days after India was gripped by a far more catastrophic accident — the Air India crash in Ahmedabad that claimed the lives of at least 270 people.

 

That crash, which occurred on Thursday, involved a London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner that plummeted into a residential building near a medical college hostel minutes after takeoff.

 

Of the 242 people on board, only one passenger survived. Another 29 people were killed on the ground.

 

In response to that disaster, Indian aviation authorities ordered urgent technical inspections of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft with GEnx engines. The directive mandates comprehensive checks on takeoff performance, electronic engine control systems, and fuel components.

 

The global community has continued to mourn with India. French President Emmanuel Macron offered condolences following the Air India crash, stating, “We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims’ loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi.”

 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also shared her sympathies: “Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad. On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this time of great sorrow.”

 

Thursday’s crash saw a 40-year-old man, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, reported as the lone survivor in the deadly incident that rocked India.

 

“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” Vishwash, who received “impact injuries” on his chest, eyes, and feet, told Hindustan Times.

 

Vishwash, a British national, was in India for a few days to visit his family and was returning to the UK along with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh (45).

 

Vishwash, who still had his boarding pass, told HT, “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.”

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Protest breaks out in Benue as angry youths block Abuja-Makurdi highway

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June 15, 2025

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Angry Benue youths on Sunday staged a protest and blocked the Abuja-Makurdi highway, expressing outrage over the continued killings in the state.

The demonstrators, dressed in black attires and carrying palm fronds and placards with various inscriptions, barricaded the ever-busy road, disrupting vehicular movement and demanding immediate action to end the bloodshed.

Ekwutosblog observed that the protesters prevented vehicles from passing, causing gridlock and panic among commuters.

 

The protest comes barely 24 hours after suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed.

The Benue State Government had earlier issued a warning against unlawful gatherings and confrontations, particularly by youths, in the wake of escalating tensions across affected communities.

Despite the appeal for calm, the youths said they feel abandoned and are demanding concrete security measures and justice for the victims of the attacks.

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Wanted Bandits Kingpin, Ado Aleru Holds ‘Peace Meeting’ With Katsina Communities, Nigerian Army Officers

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June 15, 2025

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Despite his status as a fugitive, Aleru was seen actively participating in the discussions and addressing the gathering.

The notorious bandits kingpin, Ado Aleru, who remains on the wanted list of Nigerian security forces, has again surfaced publicly — this time leading a peace meeting in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The parley, aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and other communities, was attended by personnel of the Nigerian Army, community leaders, and several bandit groups, including Aleru’s faction.

Despite his status as a fugitive, Aleru was seen actively participating in the discussions and addressing the gathering.

A peace meeting was held with bandits in Danmusa Local Government Area, where Ado Aleru, who has been declared highly wanted, was seen giving a speech about measures to be taken between the Fulani and other communities to ensure peaceful coexistence.

This isn’t the first time Ado Aleru is seen holding peace talks with communities and the government but he will again be seen attacking innocent communities.

Same Ado Aleru was conferred with a Traditional Title in Zamfara during Bello Matawalle’s administration who is also the current Minister of State for Defence.

A peace parley was held between residents of Dan-Musa and bandits in Dan-Musa LGA, Katsina State.

Attendees included Nigerian Army, community leaders and several bandits groups including notorious leader Ado Aleru.

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters had reported in July 2022 that Ada Aleru was declared wanted by the Katsina State Police Command in 2019 with a bounty of N5million put on his head.

He was the arrowhead of a deadly raid on Kadisau, a community in the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, where about 52 people were killed.

Deadly attacks have raged across Zamfara state where bandits have thrived.

In 2019, the state government signed a peace agreement with the gunmen.

About 15 brand new Hilux vehicles and cash gifts were also given to leaders of different ‘repentant’ gangs of bandits by the governor in 2020.

But despite all these, communities in the state are still being attacked and residents kidnapped and/or killed.

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