On This Page You Will Find
- Why the Auditor General is auditing the international student program
- Key concerns raised about study permits, housing, and employment
- The link between international students and asylum claims
- Impact of study permit caps on colleges and universities
- Government responses and what may come next
The Auditor General of Canada has launched a probe into the country’s international student program, which has come under mounting scrutiny amid surging student numbers, housing pressures, and growing asylum claims.
A report from the audit is expected to be presented in Parliament in 2026. While specific details about its scope remain undecided, officials confirm that the review is underway. Claire Beaudry, spokesperson for Auditor General Karen Hogan, said the audit is still in the planning phase, and further information will be released in due course.
Rapid Growth and Political Pressure
The number of international students in Canada has soared in recent years, peaking at over one million in 2023 – triple the number from a decade earlier. While this influx provided economic benefits to postsecondary institutions, critics say the federal government was unprepared for the scale of growth.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called for “very hard caps” on immigration and temporary workers, arguing that too many newcomers are fuelling youth unemployment, overwhelming health-care systems, and worsening the housing crisis.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has acknowledged these pressures. In a post-election mandate letter, he instructed his cabinet to return immigration rates to more sustainable levels.
Surge in Asylum Claims
An unexpected development in the international student stream has been the sharp increase in asylum claims. In 2024, more than 20,000 international students claimed asylum in Canada – nearly double the number from the year before and six times higher than in 2019. The trend has continued into 2025, with 5,500 claims filed in the first quarter alone – a 22 per cent year-over-year increase.
This suggests a growing number of foreign students are pursuing permanent residence not through traditional immigration pathways but by seeking refugee status once in Canada.
Permit Caps and Institutional Fallout
In response to public and political pressure, the federal Liberal government introduced a two-year cap on study permit applications in 2024. The target was to reduce permits by about one-third in the first year. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 516,000 permits were issued in 2024, down from 681,000 the previous year. For 2025, the plan is to issue 437,000 permits.
This cap has created financial difficulties for many universities and colleges, especially those dependent on high international tuition fees. Several institutions have responded with hiring freezes and staff layoffs.
Criticism has also been directed at certain private career colleges, accused of lowering admission standards and expanding too rapidly to admit international students. This has raised questions about the quality of education and student experience.
What the Audit Might Cover
Economists and policy experts say the Auditor General’s review could touch on multiple aspects, including:
- Study permit caps and how they were designed
- Student work rules and their impact on the labour market
- Quality control in student admissions
- The role of the program in driving immigration and asylum trends
Dr. Mikal Skuterud, an economics professor at the University of Waterloo, welcomed the review, calling it a chance to assess the program’s long-term sustainability.
“The government used a blunt tool – capping permits – but we need to better understand how we got here,” he said. “It would be extremely valuable to have the AG look at this.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Auditor General auditing Canada’s international student program?
The audit follows years of rapid growth in international student numbers and rising criticism about the program’s impact on housing, health care, and jobs. The Auditor General will evaluate how well the program has been managed and whether changes are needed.
What is the main concern with international student numbers?
Critics argue that Canada was unprepared for the large number of international students, which has contributed to housing shortages, increased asylum claims, and pressure on public services. Some also question the quality of education offered by certain institutions.
Are international students claiming asylum in large numbers?
Yes. Over 20,000 international students claimed asylum in 2024, nearly double the 2023 figure and six times more than in 2019. The trend has continued in 2025, with a 22 per cent increase in the first quarter.
What is the current study permit cap?
The federal government issued 516,000 study permits in 2024, down from 681,000 in 2023. For 2025, the target is 437,000. The cap aims to reduce pressure on services and housing while allowing for a more managed intake of international students.
How has the cap affected postsecondary institutions?
Many institutions, particularly those reliant on high international tuition, are facing financial challenges. Some have introduced hiring freezes and staff cuts. Smaller private colleges have also come under scrutiny for their recruitment practices.
