Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is taking significant steps to enhance and safeguard the integrity of Canada’s international student program. One pivotal measure involves the introduction of an online portal for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), the exclusive schools authorized to admit international students. This portal enables DLIs to carefully review the letters of acceptance (LOAs) that international students submit in support of their visa applications.
Under this innovative framework, DLIs now bear the responsibility of validating LOAs within a 10-day window through the secure online portal accessible only to their representatives at IRCC. Failure to complete the verification within the stipulated time or identify the LOA as fraudulent results in the cancellation of the student’s visa application, with any fees paid for processing refunded.
This initiative emerges in response to past instances of exploitation within Canada’s international student systems, exemplified by a notorious case last year involving 700 Indian students deceived by fabricated acceptance letters from a fraudulent immigration consultant.
In tandem with these changes, IRCC has proposed the “Trusted Institutions Framework,” presenting a two-tiered system for issuing study permits. This framework, set to be implemented in fall 2024, will afford trusted institutions certain benefits, including expedited study permit processing.
Furthermore, 2024 marks a transformative year for Canada’s international student program, with IRCC planning substantial adjustments. These include increasing the cost-of-living requirement for students by an additional $10,000 CAD, reconsidering the 20-hour work cap for international students, discontinuing the facilitative measure allowing students to count time abroad towards their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and introducing new changes to the PGWP program. The department underscores its commitment to aligning international student enrollment and PGWP issuance with labour market and demographic needs, signalling a comprehensive approach to address the needs of the nearly one million international students expected in Canada in the coming year.
Stay informed and compliant with Canada’s evolving international student regulations. For seamless study visa processes, contact MAK Immigration Consultants today.
