CIMM – Access to Study Permits for Afghan Nationals – February 8, 2023

Implicated Recommendations:

Recommendation #37 – Waive requirement to assess intent to return to country of origin

The Government of Canada remains committed to actively exploring the recommendation to allow Afghans to access study permits, without assessing their intention of returning to their country of origin.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes that the requirement for candidates to prove to an immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their studies has impacted many Afghans interested in studying in Canada.
We are working to identify solutions, including with non-governmental partners. For example, IRCC worked with the World University Service of Canada to activate their Student Refugee Program in Pakistan, and 21 Afghan students arrived as permanent residents as part of this program in fall 2022.
The Department is aware that Afghan women and girls continue to face particular risks and challenges when it comes to education in Afghanistan. On this matter, IRCC is actively exploring options to facilitate the access to study permits for Afghan nationals.
The Department is also undertaking a review of the International Student Program to examine how it can continue to meet economic and social goals, including as part of our Strategic Immigration Review.
A key focus of this review will be to continue to explore options for diversifying the student population in Canada, with the aim of bringing more Afghan students and others.

We are also encouraging Afghans who are interested in resettling to Canada, but not eligible under the existing programs, to explore other pathways including economic and family reunification programs, and programs offered in partnership with provinces and territories.