July 12, 2024

Proposed Amendments to Canada's International Student Program

To strengthen Canada's International Student Program, the Canadian government proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, specifically targeting Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).

The following are the key changes in the proposed regulations:

  • DLIs will be required to confirm the authenticity of LOAs provided by applicants for study permits. This aims to reduce fraud and ensure that only genuine students receive study permits. DLIs would be given 10 days to respond to the Immigration Department’s request to confirm a student’s acceptance to enter the program on the study permit. 
  • The amendments specify that study permit holders must enroll at the DLI listed on their permit and remain enrolled until they complete their studies. Failure to do so may result in the invalidation of the study permit​.
  • The limit on off-campus work during regular academic sessions will be increased from 20 hours to 24 hours per week. This change aims to provide students with greater financial flexibility while ensuring they remain focused on their studies​.
  • The regulatory amendments would require that students obtain new study permit whenever they want to switch DLIs, and before the start date of the new study program.
More information here