Contrary to imposing limits on new international student arrivals, the minister emphasized a different approach. To combat fraudulent activities targeting international students, the federal government is introducing a new system to authenticate the Letters of Acceptance (LOA) required for study permit applications by prospective international students.
Additionally, the government plans to implement a "Recognized Institutions Framework" for Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) by the fall semester of 2024. DLIs, including colleges and universities, endorsed by provincial and territorial governments to host international students, will need to meet elevated standards for services, support, and outcomes. DLIs meeting specific criteria set by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will qualify for benefits like expedited processing of study permit applications.
Detailed information regarding the recognition process and associated benefits will be disclosed in the near future. Minister Miller also revealed that the IRCC will conduct its first review of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in a decade, intending to implement reforms in the coming months. The objective is to align the PGWP with Canada's labor demands, particularly in sectors facing significant shortages, and to support regional and Francophone immigration objectives.
Canada set to host 900,000 international students this year:
Canada stands as a premier choice for international students, having welcomed a remarkable 551,405 students from 184 countries in 2022. By the end of the same year, there were 807,750 international students with valid Canadian study permits, marking a historic high. The international student community in Canada has seen a fourfold increase over the past 15 years, owing to factors like the growing global middle class's interest in studying abroad and Canada's appeal in terms of education quality, employment opportunities, and immigration pathways.
In 2022, the primary source countries for new international students were India (226,450 students), China (52,165 students), and the Philippines (23,280 students). Ontario (411,000 students) and British Columbia (164,000 students) emerged as the leading destinations for these students.
Marc Miller has stated that Canada is poised to host approximately 900,000 international students in 2023. The Canadian government remains proactive in issuing study permits, with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) having issued over 280,000 new study permits between January and June 2023. This marks a substantial 77% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
International student integrity highlighted in recent report from members of Canada’s Senate
Recently, a report released on September 20 by four members of Canada's Senate brought international student integrity into focus. While acknowledging the positive contributions of international students to Canada's economy and societal fabric, the report also underscored key challenges related to the integrity of Canada's international student system. One significant issue highlighted in the report concerns education agents, who act as intermediaries in foreign countries for international student applicants.
These agents, the report pointed out, play a crucial role in compromising the integrity of Canada's international student landscape. Many of them may guide international students toward Canadian post-secondary programs that do not qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Completing a program that doesn't render graduates eligible for a PGWP can be a considerable waste of time and money. This is because without the PGWP, graduates may face limitations in employment opportunities and the possibility of obtaining permanent residence after graduation.
If you want to start a new life in Canada as an international student, we can help you! The e-Visa Immigration team has expert educational consultants ready to assist you at any time of your process. Contact us!
