Canada implemented new rules in response to a significant increase in fraudulent activities targeting international students, particularly those from India. In 2023, it was discovered that over 700 Indian students had been issued fake letters of acceptance (LOA) from Canadian educational institutions, allowing them to obtain study permits and enter the country under the pretence of pursuing higher education. This incident exposed a glaring loophole in the system and highlighted the need for stricter measures to protect genuine international students and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller expressed his concerns about the rise in fraudulent activities targeting international students, mainly using fake letters of acceptance (LOAs) to obtain study permits. He acknowledged the negative impact of these fraudulent schemes on genuine students and the need for more robust measures to protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Miller emphasized the importance of the new rules, stating that they would “help to protect international students from fraud and ensure that they can study in Canada legally.” He also highlighted the role of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in verifying the authenticity of LOAs, emphasizing their responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the student application process.
The new rules, which will come into effect on December 1, 2023, require post-secondary designated learning institutions (DLIs) to verify every applicant’s letter of acceptance with the IRCC -Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada- before issuing a study permit.
The new rules are designed to protect genuine students from fraud and ensure they can legally study in Canada.
They will also help to protect the reputation of Canada’s education system.
Under the new rules, DLIs will be required to:
The IRCC will also be strengthening its systems to prevent fraud. These steps include:
The Canadian government is committed to protecting international students from fraud and ensuring a positive experience in Canada. The new rules are an essential step in achieving this goal.
To understand the new rule more, let’s dig deeply:
DLIs, or Designated Learning Institutions, are educational institutions in Canada that are authorized by IRCC to admit international students. These institutions are registered with the Canadian government and must meet specific standards to ensure they provide quality education and support services for international students. Studying at a DLI can be a great way to get a quality education and experience Canadian culture. If you are considering studying in Canada, research DLIs and find one that fits you well.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are crucial in facilitating international student mobility in Canada. They collaborate closely to ensure that international students can legally pursue their educational aspirations in Canada and have a positive and enriching experience.
IRCC’s Role in International Student Education
IRCC is the federal agency responsible for administering Canada’s immigration laws, including those about international students. IRCC assesses and processes study permit applications submitted by international students seeking to study in Canada. They verify the authenticity of supporting documents, including letters of acceptance from DLIs, to ensure that only legitimate students are granted study permits.
Canada’s new Recognized Institutions Framework (RIF) is a two-tiered system for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that aims to streamline international students’ study permit application process and enhance the overall quality of the international student experience in Canada.
Key Features of the RIF
The RIF categorizes DLIs into two tiers based on their track record of student support, compliance, and overall performance. Tier 1 institutions, also known as Recognized Institutions (RIs), will enjoy expedited study permit processing for their international students, while Tier 2 institutions will continue to follow the standard application process.
Benefits of the RIF
The RIF offers several benefits to both international students and DLIs:
Implementation of the RIF
The RIF is being piloted with a select group of DLIs and is expected to be fully implemented in 2024. As the RIF rolls out, more DLIs will be able to achieve RI status and contribute to a more efficient and positive international student experience in Canada.
The Canadian government implemented several strategies to grant study permits before December 1, 2023. The extra verification step of requiring Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to verify the authenticity of every applicant’s letter of acceptance (LOA) with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before issuing a study permit is designed to promote transparency in overseas education in several ways. By requiring DLIs to verify LOAs with IRCC, it becomes much more difficult for fraudulent applications to slip through the cracks. IRCC has a central database of all legitimate LOAs, so any discrepancies or irregularities can be quickly identified. This helps ensure that only genuine students can obtain study permits.
The verification process also holds DLIs accountable for the quality of their admissions processes. DLIs must carefully scrutinize each LOA to ensure its authenticity before submitting it to IRCC. This helps promote higher integrity and transparency standards within the DLI sector. By reducing fraudulent applications, the verification process helps to protect genuine students from being unfairly disadvantaged. The verification process sends a clear message to DLIs and education agents that unethical practices will not be tolerated.
As a result of these strategies, the Canadian government was able to grant a record number of study permits in 2023. The government also made significant progress in reducing the processing time for study permit applications. By reducing fraudulent applications, holding DLIs accountable, and enhancing public trust, this measure will contribute to a more fair, equitable, and reputable international education system in Canada.
While the government is making efforts, seeking the assistance of reputable service providers is essential for achieving the best results.
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