Canada Tightens Rules on Study Permits to Prevent Fraud

Canada’s federal government is set to implement stricter regulations on the processing of study permits for international post-secondary students.

These new rules aim to ensure that educational institutions properly monitor the enrollment of international students, providing better protection against fraudulent activities and misuse of study permits for employment purposes.

Enhanced Monitoring and Compliance

Under the proposed regulations, colleges and universities will be required to report student attendance and compliance with study permit conditions to the federal Immigration Department.

Institutions must also verify and confirm the acceptance letters (LOAs) provided by study permit applicants. This step is crucial to prevent fake admissions and ensure students are genuinely enrolled in their designated learning institutions (DLIs).

Mandatory Permit Updates for School Transfers

Students wishing to transfer to a different institution must apply for a new study permit before beginning their new program. Although they can attend the new institution while waiting for permit approval, they must remain in Canada and adhere to all existing study permit conditions.

Also Read: Canada Study Permit: Attestation Letters, Caps, and PGWP Changes for 2024

Provisions for Accompanying Family Members

The new regulations exempt accompanying family members from LOA verification if their study or work permit is approved before entering Canada. However, if they later decide to enrol in a post-secondary DLI, they will need a verified LOA.

Application Processing Adjustments

The regulations stipulate that if a DLI fails to confirm a student’s acceptance, the study permit application will be returned, along with supporting documents and processing fees. This ensures only legitimate applications are processed, reducing the chances of fraud.

Increased Work Hours for Students

The proposed amendments will also increase the limit on off-campus work hours during regular academic sessions from 20 to 24 hours per week, offering students more flexibility to support themselves financially while studying.

Collaboration Between IRCC and Provinces

The International Student Program’s administration is a shared responsibility between Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada’s provinces and territories. Regular compliance reporting by DLIs to IRCC and timely responses to inquiries are key components of the new regulations.

Federal Cap on International Student Intake

In response to the surge in international student numbers and the accompanying strain on housing and healthcare infrastructure, the federal government announced a two-year cap on international student intake in January. The cap limits approved study permits to 360,000 for 2024.

Conclusion

These new regulations reflect Canada’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its education system and protecting international students from fraud. By enhancing compliance and monitoring, the federal government aims to create a safer and more reliable environment for students pursuing higher education in Canada.