New Regulations in Canada to Close Study Permit Loopholes for International Students

The Canadian federal government plans to stop processing study permits if schools don’t properly track international students. New guidelines would require colleges and institutions to report student attendance to Immigration Canada. This aims to protect students from scams and misuse of study permits for unauthorized work. Additionally, finding an affordable flight ticket from Canada to India for Indian students traveling from Canada through Flyopedia can help ease the financial burden of relocating.

Key Changes for Designated Learning Institutions

According to the plan outlined in the Canada Gazette, students would also be required to apply for a new study permit when transferring institutions or before commencing a new study program.

A key change would require students who receive a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution different from the one specified on their study permit to apply for a new permit before starting at the new institution. While awaiting a decision on this application, students may attend the new DLI, provided they stay in Canada and meet all other study permit conditions.

Additionally, the proposed regulations would update the current process for issuing study permits, mandating that DLIs verify the letter of acceptance submitted by applicants.

Rules for Accompanying Family Members

The regulations would also modify the rules for accompanying family members, exempting them from LOA verification as long as their study or work permits are approved before they arrive in Canada.

Once in Canada, if an accompanying family member transfers to a post-secondary Designated Learning Institution, the proposed regulations would necessitate that they obtain a Letter of Acceptance that must be verified.

Processing of Study Permit

Under the new rules, if a Designated Learning Institution doesn’t confirm a student’s acceptance, the study permit application will be rejected and returned with all documents and fees. These modifications are aimed at post-secondary DLIs and overseas students.

Enrollment and Permit Validity

Under the new regulations, existing requirements mandate that study permit holders must enroll at the DLI indicated on their permit and maintain continuous enrollment until the completion of their studies. The amendments would clarify that a study permit may become invalid on the day the permit holder is no longer enrolled at the DLI listed on the permit.

The off-campus work allowance during ordinary academic sessions would be expanded from 20 to 24 hours per week.

Collaborative Administration

The proposal explains that managing the International Student Program involves teamwork between Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and Canada’s provinces and territories. Key to this plan is that Designated Learning Institutions must regularly update IRCC and respond quickly to any questions or requests as required by the new rules.

Indian students in Canada

It was a very significant event when last year several students, particularly from Punjab were fleeced by Brijesh Mishra in a scam. These students came to Canada between 2017 and 2019 to follow their dreams and later on realized that the offer letters they needed to get the study permits were forged. Many of them had to attend a different college than the one indicated on their study permit, and this was evident when they attempted to apply for permanent residence.

In 2022, the country welcomed 550,000 new students from 184 countries, with India leading as the largest source at 220,000 students, and China contributing around 52,000.

However, the number of Indian students saw a significant decline in 2023. From July to October 2022, Canada processed around 146,000 new study permit applications from Indian students, but the same period in 2023 experienced a 40% drop.

The rise in international student numbers, along with Canada’s housing crisis and strain on healthcare services, led the federal government to impose a two-year cap on student admissions starting in January. This new policy will restrict the number of approved study permits to 360,000 for 2024. For those needing to return to India, securing last minute flight to India could help manage the unexpected travel costs.

Also Read: International Students in Canada: Facing New Permanent Residency Challenges