47,175 foreign students 'disappeared' or 'illegally staying' in Canada; India among top countries

A total of 47,175 students – nearly 8% of foreign students – in Canada have been flagged as “potentially non-compliant” with their study permit, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said at a House of Commons committee. The data revealed in the initial reports indicate that tens and thousands of students have “disappeared” from the system or are illegally staying in the country.

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner on Monday raised serious questions about Canada’s ability to track international students who may have violated their visa permit conditions. Nearly 8% of the foreign students - about 79,000 – are non-compliant and have “disappeared” in Canada with study permits as of 2024, Garner pointed out and asked: “Do you know where these people are?"

Aiesha Zafar, the head of IRCC, clarified that the 8% refers to students whose compliance details were requested from the institutions and for whom no confirmation has been received. This translates to 47,175 foreign nationals studying in Canada, the National Post reported.

“We have not yet determined whether or not they are fully non-compliant. These are initial results that the institutions provide to us,” Zafar said.

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When asked if authorities could locate these students, the official responded that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) holds jurisdiction over foreign nationals and conducts inland investigations. The data received from institutions are also shared with CBSA, however, there is no confirmation on the data yet.

Some reports have stated that India is among the top countries in the list.

“Shocked at the numbers”, Rempel Garner gave verbal notice of a motion to summon John Tibbits, president of Conestoga College, to testify before the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. She also directed Seneca College to appear before the committee.