Strengthening Canada's International Student Program: Proposed Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Canada has long been a top destination for international students, offering high-quality education and vibrant multicultural experiences. In recent years, the number of international students in Canada has grown significantly, leading to new challenges and opportunities within the International Student Program (ISP). To address these, the Canadian government has proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, specifically targeting Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Here’s an overview of these proposed changes and their potential impact.

Key Changes in the Proposed Regulations

Letter of Acceptance (LOA) Verification:

• DLIs will be required to confirm the authenticity of LOAs provided by applicants for study permits. This aims to reduce fraud and ensure that only genuine students receive study permits. DLIs would be given 10 days to respond to the Immigration Department’s request to confirm a student’s acceptance to enter the program on the study permit.

Compliance and Enrollment Requirements:

• The amendments specify that study permit holders must enroll at the DLI listed on their permit and remain enrolled until they complete their studies. Failure to do so may result in the invalidation of the study permit​.

• DLIs would have 60 days to file a compliance report about the enrolment status of each student and whether they are actively pursuing their course.

Off-Campus Work Hours:

• The limit on off-campus work during regular academic sessions will be increased from 20 hours to 24 hours per week. This change aims to provide students with greater financial flexibility while ensuring they remain focused on their studies​.

Changing DLI

• The regulatory amendments would require that students obtain new study permit whenever they want to switch DLIs, and before the start date of the new study program.

Regulatory Development and Consultations

The proposed amendments are the result of extensive consultations conducted since fall 2022 with provincial and territorial ministries, national education associations, individual DLIs, and student representative organizations. These consultations highlighted the need for stronger compliance and enforcement measures, better management of high volumes in the ISP, and enhanced tools to address student vulnerability and fraud.

While there was broad agreement on most measures, some provinces expressed concerns about the potential encroachment of federal authorities on their education mandates. The feedback also highlighted the success of existing LOA verification measures and the need to prevent students from switching DLIs without proper oversight​​.

Implications for Students and Institutions

For students, the proposed regulations mean a more transparent and secure process for obtaining and maintaining study permits. The increased work hours offer additional financial support, which can be crucial for managing living expenses. However, students will need to ensure they comply with enrollment requirements to avoid the risk of permit invalidation.

For DLIs, these changes represent a push towards higher standards and stricter compliance. Institutions will need to invest in robust verification processes and maintain continuous communication with immigration authorities to ensure compliance.

Conclusion

The proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations are a proactive step towards enhancing the integrity and efficiency of Canada's International Student Program. By addressing issues of fraud, compliance, and student support, these changes aim to sustain Canada’s reputation as a premier destination for international education while protecting the interests of both students and educational institutions.

For more details, you can read the full text of the proposed regulations here.