COW – Student Asylum Claimants – May 28, 2026

• Our measures are working: student arrivals and asylum claims have both dropped significantly in 2026.
• Most international students come to Canada follow the rules.
• The share of students claiming asylum today remains small and continues to decline.
• Most claims involve permits issued years ago, before recent reforms to the International Student Program were introduced.
• Canada's asylum system remains rigorous. People found not to need protection are removed from Canada.

New ineligibility rules in C-12

• Canada is strengthening the integrity of its asylum system.
• New eligibility rules for claims made on or after June 3, 2025, help close loopholes and discourage misuse.
• These changes help keep the system fair, controlled and focused on people who genuinely need protection.
• The reforms also help Canada better manage pressures and respond to potential surges in claims.