Canada Enhances Protections for International Students Amid Rising Challenges

Brampton, ON – October 27, 2023 — Canada remains a premier destination for international students, drawn by its esteemed educational institutions, multicultural society, and promising pathways to work or permanent residency post-graduation. Despite their valuable contributions to campus life nationwide, international students have encountered significant hurdles within Canada's International Student Program.

In a decisive move to bolster the program's integrity and safeguard genuine students from deceit, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has unveiled a series of strategic measures:

New Measures to Protect International Students

• Enhanced Verification Process: Effective December 1, 2023, post-secondary Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) will be mandated to validate each applicant’s letter of acceptance directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This robust procedure is designed to curb letter-of-acceptance fraud, preventing the recurrence of issues experienced by students embroiled in fraud investigations earlier this year.

• Recognized Institution Framework: By the fall semester of 2024, IRCC plans to introduce a "recognized institution" framework. This initiative will reward DLIs that uphold superior standards in services, support, and outcomes for international students. Institutions meeting these benchmarks will enjoy benefits such as priority processing of study permits for prospective students.

• Reforms to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program: In the forthcoming months, IRCC will evaluate and reform the criteria of the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. The aim is to align it more closely with Canada's labor market demands, regional needs, and Francophone immigration objectives.

Commitment to Integrity and Excellence

Minister Miller emphasized the profound social, cultural, and economic advantages international students offer Canada. To sustain these benefits, it is imperative to tackle vulnerabilities within the International Student Program. By targeting fraudulent actors and swiftly identifying counterfeit letters of acceptance, Canada seeks to protect students from exploitation.

Institutions that demonstrate exemplary support for international students will be recognized, ensuring their applicants receive expedited processing. This strategic focus enables Canada to better select and retain students who align with national economic and immigration aspirations.

These pivotal reforms represent the initial steps identified through a comprehensive review of the International Student Program. This initiative forms part of a wider engagement strategy known as "An Immigration System for Canada’s Future." It underscores ongoing collaborations with educational institutions, provincial and territorial governments, and organizations representing Canada’s post-secondary sector to enhance fraud detection and uphold the integrity of immigration programs.

As Canada navigates the complexities of international education, these measures are a testament to its commitment to fostering a secure and supportive environment for all aspiring students. Through continued diligence and collaboration, Canada aims to maintain its status as an inclusive and innovative hub for global talent.