December 28, 2012

Strengthening Canada’s International Student Program

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is proposing regulatory changes to strengthen Canada’s International Student Program (ISP). There are concerns that some institutions are providing poor-quality programs and facilitating the entry of foreign nationals to Canada for purposes other than study.

Under the proposed amendments:

• CIC would work with province and territories to develop a framework to designate educational institutions that will be permitted to host international students.
• CIC will now have the authority to request evidence from study permit holders to verify their compliance with study permit conditions.  This will eliminate abuse of student visas, and ensure that the primary intent of an international student in Canada is to study.
• Eligible international students attending designated institutions would also be able to work part-time off-campus without a work permit.

 
The proposed changes are a result of gaps in the program that leave it open to abuse and fraud.  Minister Jason Kenney believes that by improving the International Student Program, we are strengthening Canada’s reputation as a destination of choice for international students.

Click here to learn more about study permits!