Refugee claims in Saskatchewan have surged by almost 98 per cent following major federal and provincial immigration cuts , while the number of permanent residents dropped by more than half, federal statistics show.

The number of refugee claims filed in the province climbed from 683 between April and June 2024 to 1,344 a year later, according to data from Statistics Canada.

"I have a consult coming up with someone that's looking at a refugee claim with no option to continue studying," said Saskatoon immigration lawyer Chris Veeman.

"This is a person that's been a student, so they don't have work experience, but it's kind of the only option now for her."

Nationally, total asylum claims increased by 32 per cent between the second quarter of 2024 and the same period in 2025 — going fr

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