Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has initiated the first phase of measures aimed at fortifying and preserving the integrity of Canada’s international student program. The new strategy involves the launch of an online portal for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), the exclusive schools authorized to accept international students. This portal enables DLIs to verify the letters of acceptance (LOAs) submitted by international students in support of their student visa applications.
Enhanced Verification Process
Under this innovative framework, DLIs are now required to authenticate LOAs through the online portal, accessible only to their representative(s) designated to IRCC. The schools have a specified period of up to 10 calendar days to complete the verification process. Failure to validate the LOA within this timeframe, or the identification of a fake letter, results in the cancellation of the student visa application. In such cases, any processing fees paid by the applicant will be refunded.
Important Note: DLIs lose access to verify LOAs once the verification deadline has passed.
These measures have been introduced in response to past abuses in Canada’s international student systems, including a significant case in which 700 Indian students faced near deportation due to false acceptance letters fabricated by a fraudulent immigration consultant.
Trusted Institutions Framework
In tandem with these changes, IRCC has proposed the “Trusted Institutions Framework” for DLIs. This framework introduces a two-tiered system for issuing study permits, offering benefits such as expedited study permit processing for institutions identified as trusted within this framework. Though details about the functioning of this framework are limited, it is anticipated to be implemented in the fall of 2024.
IRCC emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding the international student program’s integrity and hints at the possibility of limiting student visas to ensure adequate support from DLIs.
Anticipated Changes in 2024
The year 2024 is poised to bring significant transformations to Canada’s international student program, with various key changes scheduled:
- Increased Cost-of-Living Requirement: An additional $10,000 CAD will be added to the cost-of-living requirement for students.
- Reconsideration of Work Cap: The 20-hour work cap for international students is under review.
- Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
The facilitative measure allowing international students to count time spent abroad towards their PGWP will be discontinued.
New modifications to the PGWP program will be introduced.
Moreover, IRCC aims to establish a more direct connection between international student enrollment, PGWP issuance, and labor market/demographic needs. As Canada prepares to host nearly one million international students in 2024, these changes signify a significant shift in the landscape of the international student program.
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