Auditor General to Review Canada's International Student Program Amid Soaring Admissions and Policy Concerns

Federal Audit Planned for 2026 as Criticism Mounts Over Rapid Growth in Student Numbers

Canada’s Auditor General has launched a formal review into the country’s international student program following a surge in admissions that some argue has outpaced national infrastructure and economic readiness.

A report from the audit is expected to be presented to Parliament in 2026, according to a statement from the office of Auditor General Karen Hogan. “As the audit is in the planning phase, providing information on scope and timelines is premature,” said spokesperson Claire Baudrey.

Concerns Over Youth Unemployment and Immigration Pressures

The upcoming probe comes amid growing political and public scrutiny. Critics, including the federal opposition Conservatives, have linked the rise in international students to increasing youth unemployment in Canada and heightened pressure on housing and public services.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre recently called for a significant reduction in immigration levels, stating that Canada needs “more people leaving than coming” over the next few years. Although his comments did not directly reference international students, Poilievre blamed temporary foreign workers for exacerbating unemployment issues among Canadian youth and advocated for “very hard caps” on immigration.

Asylum Claims from International Students Hit Record Levels

While Canada’s student visa cap aims to control new arrivals, federal data shows that a growing number of foreign students are turning to the asylum system in a bid to stay in the country. In 2024 alone, a record 20,245 asylum claims were filed by international students, nearly double the number recorded the previous year and six times higher than in 2019.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), asylum claims by foreign students continued to climb in 2025, with 5,500 claims submitted in just the first quarter—a 22% increase from the same period in 2024.

Financial Strain Hits Universities Amid Permit Restrictions

In response to the program's rapid growth, the federal Liberal government introduced a cap on study permit applications in late 2024. While intended to stabilize Canada's international student intake, the decision has led to financial shortfalls for many post-secondary institutions. Several universities and colleges have since announced staff layoffs and hiring freezes.

The government is expected to conduct consultations this summer on future international student admission levels, aiming to strike a balance between economic benefits and sustainability.

A Call for “Sustainable” Immigration

Prime Minister Mark Carney has also emphasized the need for more sustainable immigration strategies. In his mandate letter to cabinet ministers following the last federal election, Carney stressed the importance of bringing overall immigration rates—including those under the international student program—back to manageable levels.