Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has disclosed a series of substantial modifications to the nation’s international student program. A new conformance reporting system for post-secondary institutions is to be introduced by these proposed regulations, which were posted on June 20th for a 30-day review period. The objective of this change is to improve the governance and accountability of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) throughout Canada. We should investigate the specifics.

Impact and Significant Changes

New Compliance Reporting Requirements: The Canadian government intends to establish a rigorous compliance reporting system. Institutions will be required to adhere to more stringent standards and obligations established by both federal and provincial authorities. This action will guarantee increased transparency and dependability in the administration of international students’ enrollment to pursue their education in Canada.

IRCC will have the authority to suspend the processing of study permits for institutions that do not comply with the new regulations under the new rules. This implies that institutions that are not compliant will be unable to enroll international students until they achieve the necessary standards.

Students will be obligated to submit a new study permit application when transferring to another institution in Canada. This modification enables IRCC to more precisely monitor and evaluate student compliance during their time in Canada.

Enhanced Off-Campus Work Hours: The proposed regulations will increase the hourly limit for international students working off-campus from 20 to 24 hours per week. This increase offers students greater financial flexibility to sustain themselves while they are studying.

Institutional Consequences

These proposed modifications underscore a substantial transformation in the management and supervision of DLIs. Although provinces and territories will continue to designate these institutions, IRCC will assume a more significant role in addressing issues related to program integrity and ensuring compliance.

Enhanced Reporting and Verification: At present, the IRCC lacks the regulatory authority to compel DLIs to report compliance. This will be altered by the new regulations, which will allow IRCC to more effectively verify student attendance and compliance, thereby reducing the risk of fraudulent activities.

Sanctioning Non-Compliant Institutions: The new regulations will enable the IRCC to impose conditions, such as the suspension of study permit processing for non-compliant DLIs. This measure is essential for the preservation of high standards and the guarantee that only institutions that are compliant may enroll international students.

Tracking Student Transfers: Students who are transitioning to a new institution will now be required to notify IRCC and submit an application for a new study permit. This requirement will assist IRCC in guaranteeing that students adhere to their study permits and maintain precise records.

Mandatory Reporting and Improved Verification

DLIs will be required to submit biannual compliance reports in accordance with the proposed regulations. IRCC will be able to resolve unethical behaviors and respond to integrity challenges as a result of these reports. Furthermore, the improved letter of acceptance verification system will enable the IRCC to verify each letter submitted with study permit applications prior to processing, thereby addressing existing compliance deficiencies.

International recruiters are required to prioritize proactive communication with both institutions and students and pay closer attention to compliance as a result of these modifications. It is imperative that partner institutions adhere to the new standards in order to preserve their capacity to enroll students from all over the world. IRCC’s aforementioned measures are intended to safeguard the academic and personal well-being of students by enhancing the integrity of Canada’s international student program.

KC Overseas Education is committed to providing assistance to partner institutions, recruitment partners, and study-abroad aspirants during this transition. Let us collaborate to provide the highest quality services to prospective students and achieve success in this constantly changing field!