New International Student Program regulations take effect

November 15, 2024 – Ottawa

Canada’s reputation for diversity, high-quality education, and post-graduation opportunities has made it a top destination for international students. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the International Student Program and protect students from exploitation, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented key measures over the past year. These efforts focus on preventing fraud, safeguarding students from financial risks, and maintaining the program’s integrity.

As outlined in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada’s temporary resident population will gradually decrease to align with long-term economic goals and strengthen the quality of temporary resident programs.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that new regulations for the International Student Program are now in effect. Among these changes is the revised off-campus work limit, allowing eligible students to work up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session.

Additionally, international students must now apply for and receive approval of a new study permit before changing learning institutions. This change reinforces IRCC’s commitment to program integrity and accountability.

Strengthening Compliance for Learning Institutions

Designated learning institutions (DLIs) play a critical role in protecting the student program from misuse. Since 2015, IRCC has worked closely with DLIs to improve compliance monitoring. Now, institutions that fail to submit student compliance reports or verify acceptance letters may face penalties, including a one-year suspension from accepting new international students. These measures enhance oversight while ensuring international students receive the academic experience they expect in Canada.

Minister’s Statement

“By setting the off-campus work limit at 24 hours per week, we’re ensuring a balance between work opportunities and academic success. We also expect institutions to support our efforts to uphold the integrity of the International Student Program. International students deserve a positive and successful experience in Canada, and today’s changes will help achieve that.”

— The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Key Facts

To work off campus without a separate work permit, international students must be enrolled full-time in an eligible post-secondary program or a vocational training program in Quebec lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Eligible international students may work full-time during scheduled academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays.
Twice a year, DLIs must submit compliance reports to IRCC confirming whether each study permit holder remains enrolled. Students found in violation of their study permit conditions may face enforcement actions.
Quebec DLIs have not yet participated in compliance reporting. Quebec and IRCC are working to establish this system, with a grace period in place before Quebec institutions must comply.
The letter of acceptance (LOA) verification process, launched on December 1, 2023, has been highly effective:
- Nearly 529,000 LOAs have been submitted for verification.
- IRCC has confirmed 492,000 LOAs directly with DLIs.
- Over 17,000 fraudulent or invalid LOAs have been identified and flagged.

These improvements reinforce Canada’s commitment to protecting international students while maintaining the integrity of its immigration and education systems.

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