Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently proposed IRCC Proposes new regulations for international students in Canada.
Under these amendments, students who wish to switch their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) will be required to apply for a new study permit.
This proposal aims to ensure compliance and streamline processes across institutions.
Why this change
A recent announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in the Canadian Gazette gained attention because of some suggested modifications to Canada’s international student program.
The proposed regulation revisions come during a period of major policy changes in Canada, the most notable of which being the imposition of a cap on international enrollment in conjunction with the stated and impending modifications to post-study job rights. They also come after a time when the number of foreign students studying in Canada increased significantly.
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are the only schools in Canada authorized to admit international students, requiring adherence to regulations established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These institutions fall under provincial jurisdiction and are governed by local regulations. However, the federal government lacks a direct mechanism to ensure each DLI complies with new admission rules.
As a statement accompanying the draft regulations explains:
“The administration of the International Student Programme (ISP) is a shared responsibility between IRCC and Provinces and Territories (PTs). For its part, 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 action is framed by the IRCC as an issue of industry integrity.This proposed amendment seeks to address the gap in oversight by requiring students to obtain a new study permit if they transfer to a different DLI. This change aims to ensure consistency and compliance across all educational institutions that host international students in Canada.
The proposed regulatory changes aim to address these issues by requiring students to apply for a new study permit if they switch DLIs. This would provide IRCC with more accurate data on student mobility and ensure that DLIs comply with reporting and verification standards. The changes are intended to strengthen the system’s oversight, reduce fraud, and ensure that both students and institutions adhere to Canada’s immigration laws.
IRCC’s New Proposed Rules for International Students Changing Schools in Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is proposing that international students must apply for a new study permit if they wish to change Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
Students would need to submit this application before starting their new program.
While awaiting a decision on their application, students could continue their studies at the new institution, provided they stay in Canada and adhere to all conditions of their existing study permit.
This change aims to enhance oversight and ensure that all DLIs maintain consistent standards when hosting international students.
What is the Effect of This
The proposed changes by IRCC could significantly impact international students in Canada.
Students would need to pay $150 per new study permit application with total costs estimated at $55.5 million Present Value (PV) over “10 periods of 12 months”.
Additionally, the application process could take 30 to 45 minutes, and processing times may increase due to a surge in applications. This could lead to delays and uncertainties in students’ academic plans.
The new rules for DLIs would necessitate confirming Letters of Acceptance (LOAs), which would cost $4.8 million in administrative expenses over a ten-year period. As institutions adjust to the new criteria, it is anticipated that this verification procedure would expedite to 30 seconds per application, from an initial three-minute duration.
Consultation and Potential Adoption
Although it is hard to predict with precision if or to what extent the IRCC will adopt the suggested adjustments, experience can help us make some educated predictions.
The proposal is currently under a 30-day consultation phase, where feedback from various stakeholders, including educational institutions and student organizations, will be considered before any final decisions are made.
The current changes to study permit requirements will be in consultation until July 29th, 2024, after which IRCC will consider feedback and decide on the next policy steps accordingly.
While these changes are not yet finalized, students and institutions should prepare for potential impacts. Staying informed and proactive will be crucial as IRCC navigates these proposed amendments.
