Canada plans to stop processing study permits for colleges and universities that don’t keep track of international students, according to new rules. Schools would need to report to the Immigration Department on whether students attend classes and follow permit rules.
If a school fails to monitor international student enrollment, the government will pause study permit processing for post-secondary students. This is part of efforts to rebuild trust in Canada’s international student program.
According to the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, students will need a new study permit if they switch schools or start a new program, reinforcing compliance.
This approach must balance federal oversight with provincial control over education. Ottawa designates which colleges and universities can accept international students, but provinces decide who gets these permits.
Federal officials struggle to monitor students after they arrive in Canada, often not knowing their enrollment status until they apply for extensions or post-graduation work permits.
The proposed regulations aim to help the Immigration Department tackle integrity issues and unethical practices that harm the program’s reputation.
In 2023, Canada hosted over one million study permit holders, a big increase from 352,305 in 2015. This growth has raised concerns about aggressive recruitment and misuse of study permits by some students seeking work and residency.
To improve oversight, the government plans a “trusted institution framework” this fall to vet colleges and universities more carefully and speed up study permit processing for trustworthy schools.
Officials say these changes will ensure only legitimate institutions receive study permits and crack down on rule-breakers.
Designated learning institutions would have 10 days to confirm a student’s acceptance and 60 days to report on their enrollment and course progress.
Authorities could do random checks or request information if they suspect issues with acceptance letters or past non-compliance.
Decisions on suspending institutions and for how long would consider factors like compliance history, efforts to follow rules, and cooperation during checks.
The immigration minister would decide whether to publish a suspension list, which could bar non-compliant institutions from getting study permit applications for up to a year.
Provincial officials have mixed views on these changes, worried about federal interference in their education responsibilities.
The proposed changes are expected to cost nearly $87 million over a decade, covering government implementation, costs for schools, and fees for students changing schools.
The amendments also propose increasing international students’ weekly off-campus work hours to 24 from 20, aiming to help them manage higher living costs.
