Canada’s Immigration Agency Proposes New Compliance Rules for Institutions
Synopsis: The Canadian government is set to introduce a new compliance reporting framework for post-secondary institutions.
Synopsis:
The Canadian government is set to introduce a new compliance reporting framework for post-secondary institutions. Under the proposed regulations, Canada’s immigration ministry will gain authority to halt processing of study permits for institutions found non-compliant. Additionally, students will be mandated to submit a fresh study permit application when transferring to a different school or institution. The new rules also include an increase in the limit for off-campus work during studies, from 20 hours to 24 hours per week.
Canada Proposes Compliance Reporting and More:
Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled a set of regulatory changes for the country's international student program. Released for public review and comment starting June 20, the proposed rules introduce enhanced compliance reporting requirements for Canadian institutions and schools. IRCC will gain the power to suspend study permit processing for institutions that fail to comply. Additionally, students will now be mandated to apply for a new study permit when transferring to another institution. Furthermore, the regulations propose an increase in the off-campus work limit during studies from 20 to 24 hours per week. The focal point of the draft regulations is the new compliance reporting framework and suspension authority granted to IRCC, highlighting potential challenges related to federal-provincial jurisdiction in Canada.
New Student Program Regulations
The Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced proposed regulatory changes aimed at strengthening oversight of the International Student Program (ISP). Under these proposals, IRCC would require designated learning institutions (DLIs) to adhere to stricter reporting standards and grant IRCC authority to suspend study permit processing for non-compliant DLIs. The changes also mandate international students to apply for a new study permit when transferring to a different institution, while increasing the off-campus work limit during studies from 20 to 24 hours per week.
Regulations for Canada's International Student Program
IRCC justifies these amendments as essential for program integrity, citing challenges in monitoring student enrollment and compliance with study permit conditions under current regulations. The proposed rules aim to close compliance gaps by mandating biannual reports from post-secondary DLIs and implementing a robust verification system for letters of acceptance. IRCC seeks to address concerns of unethical practices, such as fraudulent admissions, by enhancing its ability to suspend study permits and verify student transfers between institutions. These changes come amid broader policy shifts in Canada's education sector, including recent caps on foreign enrolment and updates to post-study work rights, amidst a significant rise in international student numbers.
