IRCC Introduces Measures to Authenticate Letters of Acceptance for International Students

Canada’s Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has initiated the initial steps to fortify and uphold the integrity of the country’s international student program.

In particular, the immigration department has rolled out an online portal designed for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), the exclusive schools authorized to admit international students. This portal facilitates the validation of letters of acceptance (LOAs) submitted by international students in support of their student visa applications.

Under the updated system, DLIs are now required to authenticate LOAs through an online portal accessible solely to their representative(s) at IRCC. The schools must complete the verification process within a 10-calendar day window. Failure to meet this deadline or confirmation of a fraudulent letter will result in the cancellation of the student visa application, with any processing fees reimbursed to the applicant.

It’s crucial to note that once the verification deadline elapses, DLIs lose access to the LOA validation process. These measures have been implemented in response to past abuses in Canada’s international student systems, notably a significant case last year involving the near-deportation of 700 Indian students deceived by false acceptance letters fabricated by a fraudulent immigration consultant.

Additional details regarding the updated procedures for DLIs to verify LOAs can be found on the government’s website.

This year, IRCC has proposed the “Trusted Institutions Framework,” a new policy for DLIs. This framework introduces a two-tiered system for issuing study permits, offering advantages such as expedited study permit processing for institutions deemed trustworthy.

While specifics about the framework’s operation remain limited, it is slated for implementation in the fall of 2024. Throughout the year, IRCC has consistently emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the international student program. The department has hinted at potential measures, including contemplating a cap on student visas, to ensure DLIs can adequately support international students in their academic endeavours.

Parvasi Media Group