Canada Cracks Down on Misinformation About Study Permits and Asylum Claims: Ottawa, March 3, 2025—The Canadian government is taking decisive action against immigration fraud and misinformation, particularly regarding study permits and the asylum system.
In a statement on Monday, Immigration Minister Marc Miller warned about fraudsters who mislead hopeful immigrants with false promises, charging them hefty fees for fake services and fraudulent applications. But fraud isn’t just about scams—it also includes submitting false information or fake documents, which is illegal and has serious consequences.
“In 2024, we investigated an average of 9,000 cases of suspected immigration fraud each month,” Minister Miller said. “This led to thousands of applications being refused and tens of thousands of bad-faith actors being banned from entering Canada.”
Misinformation Around Asylum and Study Permits
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been actively working to stop misinformation, particularly false claims about Canada’s asylum system. The IRCC stressed that applying for asylum is not a shortcut to fast-track immigration and that every claim is subject to rigorous screening.
“No one can guarantee that an asylum claim will be approved,” the IRCC warned. “If it’s denied, you will be removed from Canada.” It also emphasized that false asylum claims can have serious consequences, such as being banned from returning to Canada or preventing family members from immigrating in the future.
Also, Check Canada Cracks Down on Immigration Fraud to Protect Newcomers
Concerns have also been raised about misinformation targeting international students. Many students have been misled into believing they can stay in Canada much longer than their study permit allows or are automatically entitled to a job or permanent residency. The government urges prospective students to be cautious and verify all information through official sources.
Sharp Rise in Asylum Claims and Study Permit Trends
Recent data shows a surge in asylum claims from Indian nationals, including international students. In 2024, 32,375 Indians applied for asylum, making up 19% of all claims—a significant jump from 11,265 claims in 2023. By comparison, in 2015, only 380 Indians sought asylum in Canada.
At the same time, the number of study permits issued to Indian students has declined. In 2024, 189,070 study permits were issued to Indian nationals—a 32% drop from the 278,110 permits issued in 2023. However, Indians still accounted for 36% of all study permits issued last year.
India’s Concerns Over System Abuse
The Indian government has expressed concerns that Canada’s asylum system is being manipulated by pro-Khalistan elements. Officials have pointed to a growing trend of young people attending protests outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, taking selfies, and then leaving—possibly as part of a strategy to support asylum claims.
India has also warned students about potential scams, cautioning that anyone promising them a guaranteed path to jobs or permanent residency in Canada may be misleading them.
Canada’s Message: Stay Informed, Stay Cautious
The Canadian government is urging people to be careful when seeking immigration advice. Minister Miller reminded applicants that only authorized representatives—licensed immigration consultants, lawyers, or notaries—can legally charge fees for their services. Additionally, all immigration information and application forms are free on the official IRCC website.
“Stay informed, be cautious, and report any suspicious activity,” Minister Miller stressed the importance of tackling fraud and misinformation, saying, “By cracking down on these issues, we’re keeping Canada’s immigration system fair and giving opportunities to those who truly deserve them.”
He also urged people to stay alert: “If you ever suspect immigration fraud, speak up. Reporting it not only protects you but also helps ensure a fair system for those who truly deserve a chance.”
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