IRCC has begun to implement the first of its measures to strengthen & maintain the integrity of the international student program in Canada. In simpler terms, new IRCC measures will verify international students’ LOAs. 

Specifically, the immigration department has launched an online portal for DLIs – the only schools in Canada authorized to accept international students to verify letters of acceptance that international students submit in support of their student visa applications. 

Under this framework, new IRCC measures will verify internal students’ LOAs via an online portal. Schools will now have up to ten calendar days to verify letters of acceptance. If a DLI fails to validate the LOA within that time frame, the student visa application will be canceled & returned to the applicant. 

Note that DLIs will no longer have access to verify LOAs once the verification deadline has passed. 

These new changes come in the face of multiple past abuses of Canada’s international student systems, including a high-profile case last year involving the deportation of around 700 Indian students who had been scammed into coming to Canada based on false acceptance letters, which a fraudulent immigration consultant fabricated. 

The Trusted Institutions Framework 

This year, IRCC proposed a new framework for DLIs called the ‘Trusted Institutions Framework.’ Part of this new policy is to introduce a two-tiered system to issue study permits. 

Moreover, the trusted institutions recognized within this framework would benefit from this status in numerous ways, including faster study permit processing. 

While not much is presently known about how this framework will function, it is expected to be implemented in the fall of 2024. In addition, IRCC has continually reiterated this year, however, that protecting the integrity of international student programs remains a key concern. IRCC has stated that it might even consider limiting the number of student visas to ensure that DLIs can provide international students with adequate support for their academic experience. 

Further Changes In 2024

As we know, new IRCC measures will verify international students’ LOAs. However, 2024 is set to be a significant year for Canada’s international student program, with multiple changes set to take place throughout the year.    

Notably, in 2024, IRCC will: 

  • Increase the cost of living requirement for students by an additional CAD 10,000. 
  • Reconsider the 20-hour work cap for international students. 
  • Introduce new changes to the PGWP program. 
  • End the facilitative measure enabling international students to count time spent abroad towards their PGWP. 

Moreover, IRCC has stated its intention to directly connect international student enrolment & Post Graduation Work Permit issuance with demographic & labor market needs. Overall, 2024 is expected to bring much change as Canada contends with housing nearly one million international students in the coming year.