CIMM – 3.1 — Asylum Claimant Nationalities – October 30, 2025

IRCC’s response to a request for information made by the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on September 23, 2025

Question

Mr. Brad Redekopp: Okay. Let's try this. What are the top 10 nationalities among former students or PGWP holders now claiming asylum, and what primary grounds are being cited?

Ms. Soyoung Park: We would be able to provide to you the nationality. In terms of the claim type, or the grounds of claim, that would be available through the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Mr. Brad Redekopp: Did you say you would not be able to provide the nationality?

Ms. Soyoung Park: We would be able to.

Mr. Brad Redekopp: Okay, can you please do that, you can submit that to us after the fact.

Ms. Soyoung Park: Okay.

Response

In 2024, the top nationality for asylum claims with a study permit or a study permit extension was India (4,256), followed by Nigeria (2,630) and the Republic of Guinea (1,959). In 2025, the top nationality for asylum claims with a study permit or a study permit extension are India (3,815), the Republic of Guinea (1,254) and Nigeria (1,059). Please see Table A for a list of the top 10 nationalities.

In 2024, the top nationality for asylum claims with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) was India (142), Iran (66) and Nigeria (61). In 2025, the top nationality for asylum claims with a PGWP are India (246), Nigeria (128) and Iran (33). Please see Table B for a list of the top 10 nationalities.

Table A

Data Generated on 2025-09-24

Table B

Asylum Claims received between January 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 by individuals with approved PGWP (including work permit extensions) by claim year and top 10 countries of citizenship.

OPP-DART-2025-35309
Report Compiled by OPP-DART(Asylum)
Data source and Date: IRCC-EDW (CBR) - Refreshed October 7, 2025