The Government of Canada has rejected a proposal to restrict study permits for students from countries with high asylum-claim rates. In its response to an April report from the House of Commons immigration committee, published in mid-October 2026, the government said such a limit would breach the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which prohibits disadvantaging people because of their national or ethnic origin.
What stays the same
IRCC will continue to assess every study permit application individually. Officers look at the applicant’s own situation — study plan, finances, ties to the home country and the genuineness of the Letter of Acceptance — not at their nationality alone.
What may change
The government agreed fully or partly with all ten recommendations of the committee’s review of the International Student Program. Two are especially relevant for families:
- Higher proof of funds. The current living-cost requirement for a single student outside Quebec is $23,448 per year, on top of tuition and travel. The committee recommended raising it.
- Penalties for institutions that break the rules, ranging from a warning to a one-year suspension from admitting international students. Choosing a reputable, designated school becomes even more important.
The context
The debate followed reports that some people used student visas as a route to claim asylum. According to the figures cited, 19,725 international students claimed asylum in 2025, 11% fewer than the record 22,245 in 2024; the government credits its recent reforms for the decline. New asylum rules also take effect on November 3, 2026.
What families should do now
- Plan your budget above the minimum. If the funds requirement rises, files prepared at the current minimum could fall short. Show tuition, homestay and living costs clearly, with a margin.
- Choose a school with a strong record. Check that the school is a Designated Learning Institution and has an established international program.
- Tell a consistent story. A clear study plan and documented ties to home are what officers assess individually.
Compare school fees across Canada on our fees overview, or read how much a year in Canada really costs.
Sources
Is your family’s financial file strong enough? Request a free pre-assessment and a Canadian Edu Centre advisor will review it with you.