IRCC Proposed Changes to Monitor International Student Attendance in Canada

September 24, 2024
6:24 am

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is gearing up for significant changes that could impact thousands of international students in Canada. The proposed amendments aim to enhance oversight of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)and ensure stricter attendance tracking for international students. Here’s a deep dive into these changes and what they could mean for future international students in Canada.

Understanding the Proposed Changes

The IRCC has identified key areas where the current system falls short in managing international student attendance and DLI compliance. To address these issues, the federal government has proposed several changes, which are now open for public consultation until July 29, 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the proposed changes:

Key Takeaways

Enhanced Monitoring of DLIs: The IRCC will have the authority to require DLIs to monitor and report student attendance regularly.
Reporting Requirements: DLIs will need to provide timely reports on student enrollment and attendance.
Public Suspension List: Non-compliant DLIs will be listed publicly, which could affect their reputation and ability to attract international students.
Invalidation of Study Permits: Study permits will become invalid if a student stops attending their designated DLI, necessitating a new permit if they wish to transfer to another institution.
Increased Work Hours: International students will be allowed to work 24 hours a week off-campus, an increase from the current 20 hours.

What’s Behind the Proposed Changes?

The integrity of Canada’s study permit program relies on a collaboration between the federal government and provincial/territorial governments. The federal government, through the IRCC, issues, and sets conditions for study permits, while the provinces and territories designate learning institutions and manage allocations. However, gaps in the current system have raised concerns.

The IRCC currently faces significant challenges due to its inability to compel Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to report on student attendance, leading to potential misuse of study permits. Without the authority to impose conditions on non-compliant DLIs, the IRCC struggles to ensure that students are actively enrolled and participating in their studies. Additionally, international students can switch DLIs without notifying the IRCC, complicating the monitoring of study permit allocations and further exacerbating the issue.

Impact on DLIs and International Students

The proposed changes will introduce new responsibilities for DLIs, including mandatory attendance monitoring, which requires tracking and reporting student attendance to ensure that all international students are actively engaged in their studies. DLIs will also need to regularly report their compliance with IRCC conditions, and non-compliant institutions will face suspension and penalties, which will be publicly disclosed.

For international students, the changes impose new administrative tasks but also bring some positive developments. Students will need to apply for a new study permit when switching DLIs, ensuring their status is always up-to-date. The new regulations will allow students to work 24 hours a week off-campus, providing more financial flexibility. Additionally, accompanying family members will be exempt from the letter of acceptance provisions if their study or work permits are approved before entering Canada.

Navigating the Proposed Changes

For international students in Canada, staying informed about these changes is crucial. The proposed amendments are still under review, and their implementation will depend on the outcome of the consultation period and subsequent legislative processes.

The proposed changes to the study permit program by the IRCC aim to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of Canada’s immigration system. While these changes introduce new compliance measures for DLIs and international students, they also provide opportunities for increased work hours and better oversight of educational institutions.

As these changes unfold, international students in Canada must stay updated and adapt to the new requirements. The increased monitoring and reporting will ensure a more robust and transparent system, ultimately benefiting both the students and the Canadian education system.