The Canadian government plans to halt processing study permits for international students if their schools fail to track enrollment and compliance. New regulations, currently proposed and published for public consultation, will require colleges and universities to report to the Immigration Department about whether students are attending classes and following permit rules.
This change aims to boost confidence in Canada's international student program. Students will need a new study permit if they switch schools. While education is managed by provinces, the federal government oversees international student permits, creating challenges in monitoring student activities.
In 2023, Canada saw over one million study permit holders, up from 352,305 in 2015. The rapid growth has raised concerns, with some blaming international students for housing shortages and healthcare strain. In response, Immigration Minister Marc Miller introduced a two-year cap on new study permits.
The government is establishing a “trusted institution framework” to speed up permit processing for compliant schools. Non-compliant institutions may face up to 12 months of suspension from the study permit program. During this period, permit applications to these schools will be returned to applicants.
The changes, estimated to cost $87 million over 10 years, include increasing the allowed off-campus work hours for international students from 20 to 24 per week to help with living expenses.
