published on 7 December 2023 @ 4:23 pm · COMMENT

Changes to International Student Program

Beginning December 1, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is commencing a process to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s international student program.

As a first step, designated learning institutions (“DLIs”) will be required to confirm the validity of all letters of acceptance directly with IRCC. Upon submission of a study permit application, IRCC will send the letter of acceptance to the educational institution, who will then have 10 days to confirm the validity of the letter.

In the coming months, IRCC will roll out a framework for select DLIs to be considered “recognized institutions”. Study permit applicants at recognized institutions will benefit from priority processing of their applications. The criteria for recognized institutions and further information on this framework has yet to be released.

IRCC has also indicated that changes to the post-graduation work permit program are forthcoming, in response to labour market needs. In particular, IRCC has highlighted regional and Francophone immigration goals and a motivation for these changes.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE