On October 27, 2023, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller announced plans to to strengthen Canada’s International Student Program and protect genuine students from fraud.
The announcement about the International Student Program has ended. You can watch the announcement here👇
IRCC Minister Marc Miller announced that by the end of 2023, the IRCC plans to verify acceptance letters directly with Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to prevent the submission of fraudulent letters by international student agents abroad when applying for study visas.
Furthermore, the IRCC is set to implement the Trusted Institutions Framework, beginning with the fall 2024 intake.
Canada is also making changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit for international students. We’ll hear more about these changes in the coming months.
Minister Miller wants to make the PGWP better for international students. The goal is to provide international students with enhanced opportunities to address labor shortages and give them more time to become permanent residents.
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Details of the Today’s Announcement
Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has just made an announcement today on strengthening International Student Program. The minister made it clear that he doesn’t support putting a cap on new international students coming in.
The details of announcement are given below:
Enhanced Verification Process for Acceptance Letters
Starting December 1, 2023, postsecondary DLIs will be obligated to verify the authenticity of acceptance letters through the IRCC. This crucial step ensures that students are not misled by fraudulent letters and provides a secure pathway for genuine applicants.
Preventing Previous Problems
Earlier this year, some students encountered issues due to fraudulent inquiries. To prevent such problems in the future, this new verification process will be instrumental. Students can now have confidence that their acceptance letters are valid and trustworthy. This strengthens the International Student Program.
Guaranteed Study Permits for Genuine Applicants
One of the significant advantages of this verification process is that it guarantees the issuance of study permits exclusively to applicants with authentic acceptance letters. This assurance streamlines the application process and provides peace of mind to international students.
Introducing the “Recognized Institution” Framework
Looking ahead to the fall 2024 school year, the IRCC will establish a “recognized institution” framework. This framework sets higher standards for services, support, and outcomes for international students in postsecondary designated learning institutions.
If designated learning institutions (DLIs) follow certain rules set by IRCC, they can get advantages like faster processing of study permit applications from IRCC.
This initiative aims to create a supportive and enriching environment for students, ensuring a positive educational experience.
For example, prioritizing the processing of study permits for applicants planning to attend designated learning institutions (DLIs) will greatly benefit these institutions.
Aligning Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
In the upcoming months, the IRCC will begin implementing reforms to align the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, which has not been reviewed in 10 years, with regional and Francophone immigration goals, as well as the needs of the Canadian labor market, after evaluating the program’s criteria.
Importance of Strengthening International Student Program
- Economic Contribution: Canada’s International Student Program (ISP) contributes over 4.8 billion dollars annually to the economy, making it a vital sector for the country.
- Addressing Exploitation: Recent incidents of international students falling prey to fraudulent practices underscore the urgent need for program improvements.
- Preserving Reputation: Ensuring that genuine students receive quality education is not just a national priority; it’s essential for Canada‘s reputation as a leading education destination.
Challenges Faced by International Students
Processing Delays:
The surge in study permit applications, projected to exceed 1.4 million by 2027, has led to unavoidable processing delays. Addressing this challenge is vital for the smooth entry of genuine students.
Impact on Education Quality:
Some DLIs, overly reliant on international student fees, might compromise on education quality to attract more students. This situation negatively impacts the overall learning experience, a matter that requires urgent attention.
