The new international student program regulations have taken effect in Canada.
Over the past year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has taken significant steps to ensure the sustainability of the International Student Program. These efforts focus on eliminating fraud and protecting students from exploitative individuals and financial instability. The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan outlines that Canada will reduce its temporary resident population over the next few years to align with the federal government’s long-term economic goals, strengthening the integrity and quality of its temporary resident programs.
Canada boasts a diverse and inclusive society, high-quality educational institutions, and abundant opportunities for work or immigration after graduation. This has made it a popular destination for students from around the world. It is essential that the International Student Program remains sustainable, ensuring that students are protected from any form of exploitation within the system.
Over the past year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made significant efforts to ensure the sustainability of the International Student Program. These efforts include combating fraud and protecting students from exploitative practices and financial vulnerabilities. Our 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan outlines steps to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population over the next few years, aligning with our long-term economic goals and enhancing the integrity and quality of our temporary resident programs.
On the 15th of November 2024, the Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, confirmed that new regulations affecting the International Student Program have taken effect. One significant change is adjusting the number of hours that international students are allowed to work off-campus. Eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week while their classes are in session.
Starting now, international students must apply for and obtain a new study permit before changing their learning institutions. This update is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the integrity of the International Student Program.
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) play a crucial role in safeguarding the student program from misuse. Since 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has collaborated with DLIs to enhance student compliance reporting. As a result of recent changes, there will now be consequences for DLIs that do not submit compliance reports or fail to verify acceptance letters. If a DLI fails to provide the required information, it could face suspension from accepting new international students for up to one year.
These improvements will enhance oversight, support international students, and protect their academic experiences in Canada.
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Notations
“By setting the off-campus work limit to 24 hours per week, we are finding a balance between offering students work opportunities and ensuring they remain focused on their education. We also expect institutions to support our efforts in maintaining the integrity of the International Student Program. It is essential for international students to have a positive and successful experience in Canada, and the important changes made today will contribute to that goal.” – The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Statistics
- International students who wish to work off-campus without a work permit must be enrolled full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program. Additionally, they may participate in a vocational training program at the secondary level offered in Quebec, provided that the program lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- International students eligible to work off campus may work full-time during academic breaks, such as the summer break between school years or the winter break between semesters.
- Designated learning institutions must submit reports to the IRCC twice a year, confirming the enrollment status of each study permit holder associated with them. If students are no longer enrolled, the IRCC may investigate and take enforcement action, as this could violate the conditions of their study permits.
- Designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Quebec have not yet participated in student compliance reporting. It will take some time for both Quebec and the IRCC to establish this reporting system for DLIs in Quebec. Therefore, Quebec DLIs are granted a grace period before they must comply with the compliance reporting requirement.
- The new letter of acceptance (LOA) verification process has been successful. Since its launch on December 1, 2023, up until October 6, 2024, IRCC has
- received almost 529,000 LOAs for verification.
- confirmed nearly 492,000 LOAs as valid directly with designated learning institutions (DLIs).
- identified more than 17,000 LOAs that either didn’t match any LOA issued by a DLI or that the DLI had already cancelled before the individual applied for a study permit.
