The Globe and Mail’s recent report, revealing a staggering 1,500 percent surge in asylum claims by international students in Canada over the past five years, has sparked concern among researchers and practitioners alike. There’s a growing apprehension regarding the potential exploitation of both the study-permit system and the asylum process.
Over the past decade, the study-permit program has transformed into a potential immigration route for numerous international students. The report confirms that some students turn to seeking asylee status as a way to remain in Canada when traditional immigration options appear limited.
Figures released by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, as reported by The Globe, reveal a significant surge in asylum claims among international students. In 2018, there were 1,515 such claims, a figure that escalated to 11,305 by 2023. According to The National Post report, Seneca College in Toronto witnessed a substantial increase in asylum claims from international students, soaring from 300 in 2022 to nearly 700 in 2023. Similarly, Conestoga College in Kitchener experienced a significant rise, with claims escalating from 106 to 450 during the same timeframe. The notable surge in asylum claims among technical and community colleges, with some institutions reporting increases exceeding 2,000 percent since 2018, stands out prominently.
This trend is particularly perplexing considering the narrative surrounding international students as the most coveted future skilled labor force and potential citizens in Canadian policy discussions. How is it that these students, who are often portrayed as the epitome of Canada’s desired immigrants, are now resorting to seeking refugee and asylum status?
This unexpected shift can be traced back to the disparities between government policies and the realities on the ground. Reduced government funding for public colleges has led to a heightened dependence on international students for revenue generation. There’s also a prevalent emphasis on short-term economic gains derived from these students, often overshadowing considerations for their long-term employment and integration prospects.
Additionally, the lack of adequate employment and immigration services and support for international students, coupled with insufficient accountability and monitoring by provincial governments, exacerbates the situation. These discrepancies ultimately steer students towards a trajectory where acquiring permanent residency in Canada becomes increasingly challenging, if not unattainable.
The Case of Ontario
Funding Cut and Dependency on International Students
In Ontario, public colleges, which attract the highest number of international students, receive notably the lowest public funding among all provinces. As of the 2019/2020 academic year, student fees accounted for over half (53%) of all college revenues, while public funding dwindled to just 30%. This lack of government support has led Ontario colleges to increasingly rely on the international market.
Since the 2018/2019 academic year, Ontario colleges have surpassed universities in international student enrollment. By 2021/2022, over half (53%) of the province’s international students were enrolled in colleges. Notably, in Ontario colleges, 30% of international students contributed to 68% of tuition revenue, totaling $1.7 billion in the 2020/21 academic year.
Business Model and Unethical Practices
To attract international students and maintain their continuous growth, many colleges adopted a business model, highlighting immigration pathways for students in their marketing strategies, often via recruitment agencies. In the academic year 2020-21, Ontario’s public colleges disbursed over $114 million in commissions to recruiters, as disclosed by the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario (2021). These agencies view student recruitment as a lucrative opportunity, potentially earning between $3,000 to $4,000 per student from Canadian post-secondary institutions, as noted by One Voice Canada (2021). Regrettably, some recruiters tend to exaggerate the likelihood of securing employment and permanent residency, misleading international students with false information.
The exposure of unethical practices by unlicensed recruitment agents, particularly highlighted in the CBC’s Fifth Estate documentary Sold a Lie (2022), has shed light on the scams and fraud perpetuated by these agents in supplying international students, notably from India, to Canadian colleges. Influenced by this propaganda, many international students view obtaining a study permit as a pathway to Canadian immigration. Consequently, their primary motive behind college admission becomes immigration to Canada.
Student Expereince: Reality vs Promises
Employment Barriers
International students encounter significant challenges integrating into the Ontario’s labor market, both during and after graduation. The lack of relevant work experience, coupled with selection of program with limited job prospects due to the ill advice of the recruiters, hampers their ability to secure permanent residence. Additionally, partnerships between public colleges and private career colleges raise concerns about education quality. Moreover, international students often face hurdles in finding employment due to their temporary status, leading to underemployment and a lack of networking opportunities. Inadequate career support programs in Ontario colleges further exacerbate these challenges.
Transitioning to Permanent Residency
Although international college students often express a desire to remain in Canada, they encounter hurdles when attempting to transition to permanent residency, especially when compared to their peers at the university level. Recent reports underscore a widening disparity between the aspirations and the actual opportunities for obtaining permanent status among college-level students, in contrast to their counterparts at universities. Thus, the data on asylum claims among international college students in Ontario indicates that a growing number of these students who have been unsuccessful in securing permanent residency are resorting to seeking refugee or asylum status as a last resort to remain in Canada.
Recent Policy Response
To tackle some of these issues, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented several amendments to the international student program on October 27, December 7, 2023, and January 22, 2024. These changes prioritize a cap on international students and their protection and successful integration into the labor market and post-graduation transition.
- Intake Cap Implementation
To ensure sustainable international student levels, a cap on permits will reduce new study permits by 35% in 2024 compared to 2023. However, this poses financial risks for public colleges unless funding support is boosted, with Ontario anticipating a 50% reduction in admissions despite recent funding pledges.
- Provincial Attestation Requirements
The introduction of provincial attestation letters is expected to decrease international student enrollments. Collaboration with licensed consultants is crucial to safeguard students from fraudulent recruitment agencies.
- Recognized Institution Framework
Implementing a recognized institution framework will enhance standards for international students’ education, outcomes, and support services. Recognized colleges and universities will receive benefits like priority visa processing, necessitating reforms in academic and support programs.
The impact of these adjustments will be profound, shaping the policies and programs of public colleges in Ontario.
Responding to Asylum Claims
As the full effects of these recent policy changes continue to unfold, the pressing question arises: how will the government respond to the surge in asylum claims among international students? Mere policy adjustments won’t suffice; it’s imperative to carefully weigh the ethical and legal dimensions at play. Through collaborative efforts involving Ontario colleges, immigration authorities, and legal experts, Canada must refine its policies to curb the exploitation of study permits while safeguarding the rights of genuine asylum seekers.
Navigating the intricate intersection of education and immigration demands a commitment to upholding both legal and humanitarian standards. Canada’s ability to address the challenges arising from the integrity gaps in the education system while maintaining the integrity of its asylum process will serve as a testament to its dedication to fairness and justice in the face of evolving immigration realities.
The increase in international students seeking asylum in Ontario underscores the need for a thorough reassessment of policies and practices by both federal and provincial governmental bodies, educational institutions, and stakeholders. Rather than focusing solely on short-term gains, there should be a collective endeavor to pursue long-term objectives. This requires a departure from the profit-driven model currently adopted by many colleges, towards one that prioritizes collaboration, equality, and support for international students.
