November 15, 2024
New Regulations for International Students: IRCC’s November 2024 Update
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), confirmed the implementation of new regulations that will have a direct impact on international students across Canada. These changes, which come after months of consultation and planning, are designed to ensure the sustainability of the International Student Program (ISP) while protecting students from exploitation and ensuring that Canada’s immigration system remains fair and transparent.
Changes to the International Student Program: What’s Different Now?
Several significant adjustments to the ISP have already taken place in 2024, with the most recent changes being announced today. These reforms are part of an ongoing effort by IRCC to protect students from abuse, improve system integrity, and ensure that international students’ experiences in Canada remain positive and successful.
- New Limit on Off-Campus Work Hours (Effective April 2024)
Earlier this year, IRCC introduced a new regulation that limits the number of hours international students can work off-campus during their academic sessions. Starting April 30, 2024, international students are now permitted to work up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session. This change marks the end of a temporary policy that allowed students to work more than 20 hours per week, introduced to address pandemic-related challenges. The new limit aligns with research showing that excessive work hours can negatively impact students’ academic performance.
Under the new rules, students may continue to work full-time during scheduled academic breaks such as the summer and winter holidays. By setting this new limit, IRCC aims to strike a balance that allows students to gain valuable work experience and support themselves financially, while ensuring their primary focus remains on their studies.
- Stricter Regulations for Changing Learning Institutions
As part of ongoing efforts to combat abuse within the ISP, international students must now apply for a new study permit and receive approval before transferring to a different learning institution. This rule is designed to prevent students from moving to institutions that might not meet required academic standards or that could undermine the integrity of the program. The goal is to make sure that students who come to Canada are genuinely enrolled in programs that contribute to their academic and professional development.
- Enhanced Compliance Reporting for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
Since 2015, IRCC has worked closely with Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to improve compliance reporting and ensure that students remain enrolled in their programs. As of 2024, DLIs are now required to submit reports twice a year confirming the enrollment status of all international students. If a DLI fails to provide the required documentation or verify acceptance letters, it could face penalties, including a suspension from accepting new international students for up to one year. This change will provide greater oversight and accountability in the ISP, protecting both students and the integrity of the system.
- Crackdown on Fraudulent Acceptance Letters
Throughout 2024, IRCC has made significant strides in addressing fraudulent practices that have impacted the ISP. In June 2023, Minister Sean Fraser acknowledged growing concerns about the use of fraudulent acceptance letters by unscrupulous consultants seeking to exploit Canada’s immigration system. These fraudulent letters were often used to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into Canada who did not intend to pursue legitimate studies.
To combat this, IRCC launched a new letter of acceptance (LOA) verification process in December 2023, which has already resulted in the verification of hundreds of thousands of LOAs. By October 2024, nearly 529,000 LOAs had been submitted for verification, with over 492,000 confirmed as valid directly with DLIs. This process has helped identify and eliminate thousands of fraudulent or invalid LOAs, ensuring that only legitimate students are granted study permits.
The Impact of These Changes on International Students
These regulatory changes aim to protect the integrity of the ISP and ensure that international students have a positive and successful experience in Canada. However, it is important for students to remain aware of these new requirements and adjust accordingly to avoid potential complications with their study permits or work eligibility.
While the new off-campus work hour limit gives students more flexibility, it is important for students to maintain a strong academic focus and be mindful of the challenges that come with balancing work and studies. Additionally, students who wish to transfer institutions must now ensure they comply with the updated rules, applying for a new study permit before making any changes to their academic plans.
For students and educational institutions alike, these changes underscore the need for greater oversight and accountability in the International Student Program. DLIs that fail to meet compliance requirements could face significant consequences, reinforcing the importance of maintaining accurate records and upholding high academic standards.
The Road Ahead for International Students
The IRCC’s recent reforms are part of a broader effort to improve the sustainability of the ISP and safeguard both the interests of international students and the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. While today’s announcement marks the latest step in these reforms, more changes may be expected as Canada continues to fine-tune its immigration policies to align with long-term economic goals.
In the coming years, the number of international students coming to Canada is expected to remain high, but the focus will be on attracting students who are committed to their academic success and who will contribute positively to Canadian society. As always, international students are encouraged to stay informed about these changes and consult with immigration professionals to ensure they remain compliant with all evolving regulations.
By strengthening the integrity of the International Student Program, Canada can continue to attract top talent from around the world while ensuring that students are not exposed to fraud or exploitation. As the system evolves, both students and institutions will need to remain vigilant in upholding the values of fairness, transparency, and academic integrity.