New Measures to Enhance and Protect the International Student Program Announced

News release: October?27, 2023—Brampton, ON

Canada's immigration minister, Marc Miller, recently made an announcement regarding the enhancement of integrity in the international student program.

Significant Modifications of the International Student Programs

1.????? Improved Acceptance Letter Verification

The ministry explicitly opposed restricting international student immigration. The federal government is validating Letters of Acceptance (LOA) for study visa applications to curb fraud against international students. Post-secondary DLIs must independently verify each applicant's acceptance letter with the IRCC starting December 1, 2023. This thorough verification procedure shields potential students from fraudulent acceptance letters. For student visa applications, only genuine acceptance letters will be accepted.

2.????? Framework for "Recognized Institutions"

By fall 2024, the government will implement a "Recognized Institutions Framework" for Canadian DLIs. Provincial and territorial governments approve colleges, universities, and other educational institutions for overseas students as DLIs. The framework will improve foreign student services, support, and outcomes. The concept is that DLIs that meet IRCC integrity requirements would receive priority study permit processing.

3.????? Restructuring the Post-Graduation Work Permit Initiative

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program's requirements will be evaluated by the IRCC in the upcoming months in an effort to better match them with the demands of the Canadian labor market as well as regional and Francophone immigration objectives.

Minister Miller praised international students' social, cultural, and economic contributions to Canada. The announced reforms target unscrupulous individuals who rapidly detect fraudulent acceptance letters and abuse genuine applicants for financial gain. Strong institutions that support international students will be recognized and have their candidates processed faster. These improvements will help Canada choose and keep students who satisfy its economic and immigration goals.

These initiatives are the first of the reforms identified during the International Student Program review and the “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future” consultation campaign. This coordinated effort involving educational institutions, provinces, territories, and Canadian college and university associations improves fraud detection and immigration program integrity.

Fill out our free online assessment form to learn more about your choices if you want to move to Canada as an international student.

Website: www.makimmigration.ca