The Canadian government is preparing to introduce a new compliance reporting system for post-secondary institutions.
This new system will allow Canada’s immigration ministry to suspend study permit processing for institutions that fail to comply with the regulations. Students will also need to submit a new study permit application if they transfer to a new institution. Additionally, the proposed rules will increase the limit on off-campus work during studies from 20 hours per week to 24 hours per week.
Regulatory Changes for International Student Programme
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has proposed several changes to the international student programme. These new regulations, which were posted on 20 June for a 30-day review and comment period, require Canadian institutions to adhere to new compliance reporting standards. The key changes include:
Granting IRCC the authority to suspend study permit processing for non-compliant institutions.
Requiring students to apply for a new study permit when transferring to a new institution.
Increasing the limit on off-campus work from 20 to 24 hours per week.
Expanded Oversight and Compliance
The main highlight of the proposed regulations is the increased compliance reporting and suspension authority granted to IRCC. This change addresses the complex federal-provincial jurisdiction within Canada. The administration of the International Student Programme is a shared responsibility between IRCC and provincial and territorial governments. IRCC sets policies regarding the entry of international students, while provinces and territories designate institutions based on mutually agreed standards.
Current Issues and Proposed Solutions
The proposed regulations aim to address three main issues:
1. Lack of Reporting Authority: Currently, the federal government cannot compel DLIs (Designated Learning Institutions) to report compliance. This limits IRCC’s ability to verify student attendance and detect fraudulent letters of acceptance.
2. Inability to Impose Conditions on Non-Compliant DLIs: IRCC is currently required to issue study permits even if the DLI does not report on student enrolment status. The new regulations would allow IRCC to suspend study permit processing for non-compliant DLIs for up to 12 months.
3. Student Transfers Between DLIs: Under current regulations, students can transfer between DLIs without notifying IRCC, making it difficult to track student compliance. The new rules would require students to obtain a new study permit when transferring, ensuring better tracking and compliance.
Impact of the New Regulations
The proposed regulations would close existing compliance gaps and address unethical behaviors that undermine the integrity of the programme. The enhanced letter of acceptance verification system would enable IRCC to verify each letter before processing study permits. Biannual compliance reports would ensure consistent monitoring, and the requirement for new study permits when transferring DLIs would improve IRCC’s ability to track student compliance.
Background and Context
These changes follow significant policy shifts in Canada, including the introduction of a cap on foreign enrolment and modifications to post-study work rights. Canada has seen substantial growth in its international student population, with over a million foreign students in the country by the end of 2023, representing a nearly two-thirds increase over the past five years.