Ottawa- The federal government plans to halt the processing of study permits for post-secondary students if their institutions fail to monitor the enrollment of international students. New regulations would require colleges and universities to report to the Immigration Department on student attendance and compliance with study permit conditions.
According to the plan outlined in the Canada Gazette, students must apply for a new study permit whenever they switch schools and before starting a new program. While the federal government aims to ensure compliance, education governance falls under provincial jurisdiction, making this a delicate issue.
The Immigration Department oversees the entry of international students, sets conditions for study permit holders, and decides on the issuance of study permits. Although Ottawa grants permits only to “designated learning institutions,” provinces determine which institutions can admit international students.
The government noted that the proposed changes followed extensive consultation, receiving mixed reactions from provinces. Some provincial counterparts expressed concerns about potential federal overreach into their education mandate.
The public can comment on the proposed changes until July 29.