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Canada announces new compliance measures for international students

The new rules introduce stringent compliance reporting requirements for Canadian educational institutions and grant IRCC enhanced oversight powers.

The ministry works for immigration programs, citizenship services, refugee protection, and issuing Canadian travel documents. / Facebook/IRCC

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled a series of proposed regulatory changes aimed at overhauling the country's international student program. Posted for a 30-day review and comment period, the new rules introduce stringent compliance reporting requirements for Canadian educational institutions and international students.

According to the proposed regulations students will now be required to apply for a new study permit when transferring institutions.  The rules also expand the limit on off-campus work from 20 hours to 24 hours per week.

As the IRCC is responsible for setting policy regarding the entry of international students, establishing the conditions study permit holders must meet while in Canada, and deciding whether a study permit should be issued to an applicant, the new rules grant it the authority to suspend study permit processing for non-compliant institutions.

The new regulations mandate biannual compliance reports from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in the country and empower IRCC to suspend study permit processing for non-compliant DLIs for up to 12 months.

IRCC asserts that these changes will enhance program integrity by addressing unethical behaviours and closing compliance gaps. The proposed amendments come amid significant policy changes, including a cap on foreign enrolment and modifications to post-study work rights, following a period of substantial growth in Canada’s international student population, which surpassed one million at the end of 2023, a nearly two-thirds increase over five years.

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