In 2022, Canada welcomed more than 550,000 international students from a total of 184 countries. It’s not a wonder why international students find Canada the ultimate destination to pursue their education. In comparison to 2022, a rise of 77% in new study permits was witnessed in the first half of 2023. However, along with genuine students, Canada has been struggling with fake student applications and scammers. To overcome these hindrances, the IRCC has recently announced a few measures that are to be implemented to strengthen the integrity of student visas.
These measures are followed by situations such as the near deportation of 700 Indian students due to fake admission letters issued by an immigration consultant. However, the agent involved now faces multiple charges related to this extensive scam.
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Looking into the new changes, a significant change that could affect prospective international students is the rise in the cost-of-living requirement, which has doubled since January 1, 2024.
Verification of International Student Acceptance Letters
An innovative online portal has been introduced by the authorities to strengthen the international student programs’s integrity. This system was developed to verify Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) submitted during student visa applications.
Safeguarding Students and Program Standards
In order to preserve the credibility of the International Student Program and to focus on protecting vulnerable students, the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be overseeing this process. To obtain a Canadian study permit, an LOA from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is essential.
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How Will the New System Operate?
The new online portal will be accessible to DLI representatives, and they are mandated to verify any LOAs that come through. They will be given a window of 10 days to validate LOAs. Any delays or false validations of LOAs will lead to cancellations of student visa applications, and any processing fee paid will be returned.
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