IRCC has updated study permit rules allowing protected persons and their family members to apply from inside Canada. Meanwhile, refugee claims have reached nearly 300,000 pending cases, Saskatchewan sees a surge in asylum claims, and Budget 2025 immigration cuts become one of the most popular measures among Canadians.
IRCC Expands Study Permit Eligibility for Protected Persons and Their Families
On November 13, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced an important update allowing protected persons and their family members to apply for study permits from within Canada, even if they have not yet submitted permanent residency applications.
This policy change marks a significant expansion in access to education for individuals who are already inside the country under various legal circumstances. The update applies to:
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Students of all educational levels
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Temporary residents
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Work permit holders
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Refugee claimants
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Families of foreign government officials
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Other foreign nationals eligible under section R215
The new rule enables these groups to pursue studies at designated learning institutions (DLIs) without needing to apply from outside Canada. This aligns with the federal government’s broader goal of improving integration and offering more flexibility to those already in the country.
For full program guidance and eligibility support, applicants can refer to Go Canada Services – Study Permit Assistance.
Refugee Protection Claims Surge to Nearly 300,000 Pending Cases
Canada’s refugee system is experiencing unprecedented pressure as the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) reports 298,588 pending refugee protection claims as of October 2025.
This figure represents:
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A dramatic rise from 139,540 pending cases in October 2023
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Monthly intake fluctuations between 7,500 and 19,800 new claims
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Finalizations averaging only 6,500 decisions per month, insufficient to reduce the backlog
The IRB’s statistics portal also shows:
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Growing volumes of refugee appeals, approaching 4,000 pending cases
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Increases in immigration-related appeals, signaling systemic strain
Experts continue calling for increased staffing, streamlined hearings, and improved processing infrastructure to prevent further backlog escalation.
Stay updated through Go Canada Services – Immigration News.
Saskatchewan Sees a 98% Spike in Refugee Claims Amid Federal Cuts
Saskatchewan is facing one of the most dramatic shifts in refugee claim patterns nationwide. Between April 2024 and April 2025, the province witnessed a 98% increase in asylum applications — rising from 683 to 1,344 claims.
Contributing factors include:
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Sharp reductions in federal and provincial immigration targets
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Elimination of several permanent residency pathways
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Thousands of temporary residents left without viable options
Simultaneously, Saskatchewan recorded:
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A 53% decline in permanent resident admissions, the steepest drop among all provinces
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Rising labour shortages as workers lose pathways to long-term status
According to immigration analysts, many newcomers are turning to refugee claims as a last resort to avoid deportation or loss of status.
Immigration Cuts in Budget 2025 Gain Strong Public Support
While Budget 2025 has been met with mixed reactions overall, the government’s decision to reduce immigration levels has emerged as one of its most widely supported measures.
A Leger poll shows:
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74% of Canadians support lowering immigration targets
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Only 30% approve of the budget as a whole
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Many citizens link the cuts to easing pressure on:
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Housing
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Healthcare
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Public services
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The budget also highlighted:
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A $51 billion investment in national infrastructure
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Public concerns over long-term affordability
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Calls from nearly half of respondents for more aggressive deficit reduction
The Carney government argues that reduced intake will help stabilize resources while ensuring sustainable long-term growth.
For professional immigration strategy planning, visit Go Canada Services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can now apply for a study permit from inside Canada?
Protected persons and their family members, students, temporary residents, work permit holders, refugee claimants, and families of foreign officials.
Do applicants need to apply for permanent residency first?
No. The new rules allow study permit applications even without a PR application.
Why are refugee protection claims increasing so quickly?
Intake has grown faster than finalizations, causing a backlog that has doubled over two years.
Why is Saskatchewan experiencing such a large rise in claims?
Cuts to immigration programs have eliminated traditional PR pathways, leaving many residents with no options except refugee claims.
Why are immigration cuts so popular among Canadians?
Public support stems from concerns about housing shortages and pressure on public services.
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