November 2, 2023

Changes to International Student Program

Posted by admin - Bellissimo Law Group PC

On 27 October 2023, The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), announced plans to introduce several key measures aimed at strengthening Canada’s International Student Program and better protect students from fraud.[1] These measures will include the following[2]:

Effective December 1, 2023, post-secondary designated learning institutions (DLI) will be required to confirm every applicant’s letter of acceptance directly with IRCC.
IRCC will adopt a “recognized institution” framework, in time for the fall 2024 semester, to benefit post-secondary DLIs that set a higher standard for services, support and outcomes for international students.
In the coming months, IRCC will complete an assessment of Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) criteria and begin introducing reforms aimed at meeting the needs of the Canadian labour market, as well as regional and Francophone immigration goals.

Canada recognizes the many benefits that international students bring to Canada and these measures represent the initial changes stemming from the review of the International Student Program and the broader engagement initiative, “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future.”[3]

If you are interested in discussing options for studying in Canada, feel free to book a consultation with our office.