Canada’s New Regulations to Protect International Students: What You Need to Know
Canada’s federal government is set to implement stringent measures for monitoring international students’ enrollment in post-secondary institutions. The initiative aims to protect students from scams and prevent the misuse of study permits as a means to gain work entry into Canada.
Key Proposed Changes
- Monitoring Student Enrollment:
- Colleges and universities will be required to report students’ attendance and adherence to study permit conditions to the federal Immigration Department.
- Switching Institutions:
- Students wishing to switch to a different Designated Learning Institution (DLI) must apply for a new study permit before starting the new program. They can attend the new institution while waiting for their permit, provided they stay in Canada and comply with other conditions.
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) Verification:
- DLIs must confirm the LOA provided by applicants. Accompanying family members are exempt from LOA verification if their study or work permit is approved before entering Canada. However, if they move to a post-secondary DLI, they must have a verified LOA.
- Non-Processing of Study Permits:
- If a DLI does not confirm a student’s acceptance, the study permit application will be returned along with supporting documents and fees.
- Increased Work Hours:
- The limit on off-campus work during regular academic sessions will increase from 20 to 24 hours per week.
Compliance and Reporting
The administration of the International Student Program is a shared responsibility between Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada’s provinces and territories. Regular compliance reporting by DLIs is crucial, and institutions must respond promptly to inquiries under the new regulations.
Impact on Indian Students
The new measures are partly a response to incidents involving fraudulent middlemen. For instance, Brijesh Mishra deceived hundreds of students, primarily from Punjab, with fake offer letters, leading them to switch colleges upon arrival in Canada. This scam highlights the need for stricter regulations to protect students.
Current Landscape
As of December 2023, Canada hosted over 10 lakh international students. In 2022 alone, Canada welcomed 5.5 lakh new students, with India contributing 2.2 lakh. However, 2023 saw a 40% reduction in study permit applications from Indian nationals, largely due to the government’s two-year cap on international student intake to address the housing crisis and healthcare strain. This cap will limit approved study permits to 3.60 lakh in 2024.
Canada’s proposed regulations aim to safeguard the integrity of its International Student Program and ensure that international students have a legitimate and safe educational experience. These changes underscore the importance of compliance and transparency in maintaining Canada’s reputation as a top destination for international education.
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