Canada Proposes Major Overhaul of International Student Regulations | 2024 Study Permit Update

In a move that could significantly reshape the landscape for international education in Canada, the federal government has proposed a series of new regulations aimed at enhancing oversight of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and international students. These proposed changes, currently under public consultation until July 29, 2024, seek to address long-standing concerns while also offering new opportunities for students.

The proposed regulations focus on several key areas:

1. Enhanced DLI Oversight: If enacted, DLIs will be required to report on student enrollment regularly. This measure aims to ensure that institutions are actively monitoring and supporting their international student population.
2. Stricter Attendance Requirements: In a significant shift, study permits would become invalid if a student stops attending their designated institution. This change is designed to ensure that students are actively engaged in their educational programs.
3. New Permit for Institution Changes: International students wishing to switch schools would need to obtain a new study permit. This requirement is intended to provide better tracking of student movements within the Canadian education system.
4. Increased Work Hours: On a positive note for students, the proposed changes would allow international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, an increase from the current 20-hour limit.

These proposed regulations reflect the Canadian government’s efforts to strike a balance between maintaining the integrity of the international education system and providing valuable opportunities for students. The increased work hours, in particular, could offer students greater financial flexibility and work experience opportunities.

However, the stricter oversight measures have raised concerns among some stakeholders. Critics argue that the new requirements could add administrative burdens to both institutions and students, potentially making Canada a less attractive destination for international education.

Proponents of the changes argue that they are necessary to address issues such as “ghost students” – individuals who obtain study permits but do not attend classes – and to ensure that Canada’s international education sector maintains its high standards and reputation.

For prospective and current international students, these proposed changes underscore the importance of staying informed about Canadian immigration policies. If implemented, the new regulations would require students to be more vigilant about their enrollment status and to carefully consider any decisions to change institutions.

Educational institutions are also closely watching these developments. DLIs may need to implement new systems for tracking and reporting student attendance, potentially leading to increased administrative costs.

As the consultation period continues until July 29, 2024, various stakeholders, including educational institutions, student advocacy groups, and immigration experts, are expected to provide feedback on the proposed changes. The final form of these regulations may be influenced by this consultation process.

International students considering Canada as their study destination should keep a close eye on these developments. While the increased work hours offer an attractive prospect, the stricter oversight measures may require more careful planning and compliance.

As Canada continues to be a top destination for international students, these proposed changes reflect the government’s commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of its education system while also addressing the needs of students. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these proposals will shape the future of international education in Canada.