Canada’s immigration department conducted only 4,057 investigations from 2023 to 2024 into potential non-compliance cases within the international student program, despite 153,000 cases being flagged by nearly 93 percent of the 700 Canadian learning institutions. The department’s funding allows for only 2,000 investigations annually, and actions taken were minimal, often limited to contacting students for further information. The auditor general’s report noted that 41 percent of cases remained unresolved due to lack of student responses. Additionally, the approval rate for new study permits significantly declined, with only 149,559 approved in 2024 compared to a forecast of 348,900. This drop, affecting all provinces, was accompanied by a rise in study permit extensions. Immigration Minister Lena Diab welcomed the report and agreed to implement the auditor general’s recommendations for improved follow-up on suspected non-compliance.
Why It Matters
This report highlights significant gaps in Canada’s oversight of its international student program, which plays a crucial role in the country’s immigration system. The marked decrease in study permit approvals—67 percent lower than projected for 2024—may affect Canada’s attractiveness to international students and its economy, as these students contribute significantly to local markets. Furthermore, the lack of effective monitoring of students’ statuses raises concerns regarding compliance with immigration regulations, underscoring the need for better enforcement and tracking measures by the immigration department.
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