Immigration Minister Warns Consultants Over Unethical Asylum Advice to International Students, Writes to CICC
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, asylum claims from international students have increased by over 500% in recent years.
In a recent letter, Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, raised serious concerns regarding a growing trend among international students in Canada seeking asylum and the potential involvement of licensed immigration consultants in this surge. Addressed to John Murray, President and CEO of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), the letter commends the college for its efforts in tackling unauthorized immigration practices but emphasizes an urgent need for accountability within the industry.
Miller praised the CICC’s recent efforts, such as shutting down over 3,000 unauthorized immigration websites, but expressed deep concern about the rising number of international students resorting to the asylum system. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, asylum claims from international students have increased by over 500% in recent years. In 2023 alone, Canada saw more than 17,000 asylum applications filed by international students—a sharp rise from around 2,500 claims just a few years ago.
This increase has raised questions about the motivations behind these claims and the role of immigration consultants in advising students to pursue asylum as an alternative to permanent residency. “I am concerned by reports that some of these students are being counseled by third parties to do so and to provide false information,” Miller wrote, stressing that such advice would undermine Canada’s immigration system.
The letter references Section 12 of the CICC’s Code of Professional Conduct, which prohibits licensees from engaging in or encouraging dishonesty, fraud, or illegal conduct. Miller reminded consultants that advising on misrepresentation in asylum applications could be considered a serious violation of ethical standards.
“Counseling asylum seekers to misrepresent themselves would be contrary to the objectives of Canada’s immigration system,” Miller emphasized. His message to the CICC called for immediate action to investigate any potential misconduct and to remind licensees of their professional obligations.
The surge in asylum applications from international students is straining Canada’s resources, affecting the processing times for genuine refugees fleeing persecution. Canada’s asylum system is intended to protect individuals at risk, but the influx of applications based on questionable claims risks delaying assistance for those in dire need. According to IRCC, the average processing time for asylum claims has increased by several months due to the high volume of applications, placing additional pressure on the system.
Miller urged the CICC to collaborate with IRCC to address this issue, calling for stricter oversight of consultants and better communication of ethical guidelines. He encouraged the college to warn its members that advising clients on misleading asylum applications is both illegal and unethical.
Miller’s letter is a significant step toward reinforcing the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, highlighting the government’s commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent asylum process. As the immigration landscape continues to evolve, consultants are urged to uphold their role as trusted advisors, with any breach potentially leading to more regulatory scrutiny and reforms.
As more international students come to Canada, ethical immigration practices are essential in ensuring that they have legitimate pathways to remain. The recent surge in asylum claims has put a spotlight on the role of immigration consultants in guiding these students, raising questions about the integrity of the industry.
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants has yet to publicly respond to the minister’s letter, but the government’s call for accountability will likely drive changes in oversight and regulatory practices within the industry.