CANADA STRENGTHENS OVERSIGHT OF THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM
In 2024, Canada has taken significant and decisive steps to enhance the integrity of its International Student Program (ISP). In response to growing concerns over fraudulent activities, immigration officials flagged more than 10,000 foreign student acceptance letters as potentially fraudulent during a rigorous verification process. This move comes on the heels of a high-profile scandal involving fake acceptance letters submitted by an unlicensed consultant in India, which raised serious questions about the vulnerability of the system.
Despite these challenges, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reassured the public by confirming that 93% of the 500,000 acceptance letters reviewed were indeed legitimate, highlighting the success of the newly implemented scrutiny measures. This outcome demonstrates Canada’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its international student immigration system while still welcoming genuine students from around the world.
To further safeguard the program, additional reforms were introduced on November 15, 2024. These reforms are designed not only to prevent exploitation but also to ensure that international students and educational institutions remain in compliance with Canadian regulations. Some of the key changes include:
Limiting off-campus work hours to a maximum of 24 hours per week during academic terms, reducing the risk of students being overworked or exploited.
Requiring prior approval for study permit changes when students transfer between institutions, ensuring that students adhere to the program’s terms and conditions.
Enforcing stricter compliance measures for designated learning institutions, making it clear that only those schools that meet Canada’s educational standards can participate in the ISP.
These reforms further reinforce Canada’s commitment to maintaining a fair, transparent, and high-quality educational system for international students, ensuring that they are not only able to pursue their studies but also able to do so in an environment free from exploitation and fraud.
If you’re considering studying in Canada and want to ensure you’re navigating the application process correctly and legally, Global Opportunities is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you through every step of the study permit process, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations. Contact us today to get started on your path to studying in Canada!