COW – International Students – May 28, 2026

Measures working: 79% fewer new arrivals—down 42 465 (Jan–March 2026 vs. 2024) Asylum claims also down.

Economic benefits/most legitimate

Now reviewing 100% of flagged cases

• Canada benefits economically, socially, and culturally from students, and vast majority come here to study and make positive contributions.
• The OAG report only reflects the initial 18 months of a four+ year plan to reform the program. Of the 153,000 potential cases in the report, 78% were confirmed as having valid status to remain in Canada and we are reviewing the remaining 22%. We are confirming those who have remained in Canada without valid status, and now reviewing 100% of flagged cases.
• Actions taken since 2023:
  • Set a intake cap;
  • Stronger verification of letters of acceptance;
  • Raising of financial requirements;
  • Limits to off-campus work;
  • New requirements to change schools;
  • New consequences for non-compliant schools.