Canada to Stop Study Permit Processing for Institutions Not Monitoring International Students

In a bid to enhance oversight and integrity within Canada’s international student program, the federal government is proposing significant regulatory changes that could impact how study permits are processed and monitored. The new measures, outlined in the Canada Gazette, aim to address concerns over compliance and accountability in post-secondary institutions.

Under the proposed regulations, colleges and universities would be required to regularly report to the Immigration Department on the enrolment status of international students. This move is designed to ensure that students are attending their designated learning institutions and complying with study permit requirements throughout their educational tenure in Canada.

“The regulatory amendments would allow IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to effectively respond to integrity challenges and address common occurrences of unethical behaviours that undermine the integrity of the program,” stated a recent government notice.

Canada has seen a substantial increase in the number of study permit holders, welcoming over one million in 2023 compared to 352,305 in 2015. This growth has brought the program under scrutiny, particularly concerning issues such as housing shortages and strains on public services, attributed by some to the influx of international students.

To bolster confidence in the system, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has proposed a “trusted institution framework,” set to launch later this year. This framework aims to vet designated learning institutions rigorously and expedite study permit processing for institutions deemed trustworthy, thereby incentivizing responsible recruitment and admission practices.

Key provisions in the proposed amendments include stricter timelines for institutions to confirm student enrolment and submit compliance reports. Designated learning institutions would have 10 days to verify a student’s acceptance and 60 days to provide updates on enrolment status and academic progress.

Moreover, the amendments empower immigration officials to conduct random compliance checks and impose penalties on institutions found in violation of permit conditions. Schools failing to comply could face suspension from processing study permits for up to 12 months, during which all applications would be returned to applicants.

Despite the federal government’s efforts to tighten oversight, the proposed changes have sparked mixed reactions among provincial authorities. Some express concerns about federal overreach into provincial education mandates, highlighting the complex jurisdictional landscape governing education in Canada.

In addition to regulatory changes, the amendments also propose increasing international students’ off-campus work hours to 24 per week, up from the current 20 hours. This adjustment aims to help students manage rising living costs while pursuing their studies in Canada.

The public has until July 29 to provide feedback on these proposed changes, which are estimated to cost approximately $87 million over the next decade. This cost includes implementation expenses for the government, designated learning institutions, and study permit holders seeking school transfers.

As Canada continues to navigate the complexities of its international student program, these proposed regulatory amendments represent a concerted effort to enhance transparency, accountability, and the overall integrity of the system. The outcome of public consultation and subsequent revisions will shape the future landscape for international students and educational institutions across the country.