In a recent announcement published in the Canadian Gazette, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has proposed significant changes to Canada’s international student program. Among these changes, one of the most impactful is the new requirement that international students must reapply for a study permit if they decide to switch their Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are schools approved by IRCC to host international students, and they must adhere to specific guidelines. Currently, these institutions are regulated at the provincial level, but IRCC’s new proposal seeks to enhance federal oversight by requiring a new study permit application when students transfer between DLIs.
Key Proposed Changes for International Students
The IRCC’s proposal highlights several key points:
- International students wishing to transfer to a new DLI must submit a new study permit application before the new program begins.
- While awaiting the new permit, students may attend their new DLI as long as they remain in compliance with the conditions of their current permit and continue residing in Canada.
Potential Impact on Students and Institutions
For international students, this change could result in additional costs and administrative effort. Each new application will cost $150 and require 30 to 45 minutes of preparation time, with the total financial burden estimated at $55.5 million over the next decade. There is also the potential for increased processing times, which could disrupt students’ educational timelines.
For DLIs, the new rules will introduce compliance and administrative challenges, particularly around verifying Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) as part of the permit application process. The cost to institutions is projected at $4.8 million over ten years. However, as schools adjust to the new system, the time required for LOA verification is expected to decrease significantly.
Consultation and Next Steps
The proposed changes are currently in a 30-day consultation phase, which will conclude on July 29, 2024. During this time, IRCC will gather feedback from provincial and territorial governments, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. While it remains uncertain if or when these changes will be implemented, previous consultations on similar policies have often led to the adoption of new regulations, as seen with the LOA verification process in 2023.
IRCC’s ongoing efforts to refine and improve the International Student Program are designed to ensure greater compliance and streamline processes, though they may introduce challenges for both students and institutions alike.