Source: Migration Expert Canada
The Canadian government has proposed changes to study permit and visa rules for overseas students to cut down on the number of bogus students entering Canada. The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) intends to only grant student visa and work permit to those who have enrolled in government-accredited schools.
On August 14, 2012, CIC officials said that Canada may opt to introduce some stringent regulations for international students to curb the number of bogus students entering the country and disappearing thereafter. As Canadian immigration spokesperson Nancy Caron stated, the department has been considering these proposals to ensure that immigrant students are not abusing the study permits and visas.
“The proposed regulatory changes would ensure that study permit holders are genuine students by requiring students to enroll in and actively pursue a course or program of study after arrival in Canada. Institutions that are not designated by provinces and territories would no longer be able to host international students,” said Caron.
Under the proposed changes, the CIC would not grant Canadian student visas and study permits for overseas students who enroll in programs or courses with a period of less than 6 months to complete. The Canadian immigration department is considering providing them temporary visit visas instead, which allow them to come to Canada and apply for a study permit from within the country later.
“Disingenuous study permit holders use their study permit as a primary means to gain full access to the Canadian labour market,” Caron stated, “Strengthening aspects of the program that could be abused by fraudulent schools or non-genuine study permit applicants is vitally important to protect Canada’s reputation abroad.”
The proposed changes came after a national task force released a report urging the government to double the number of international students studying in Canada by 2020 to encourage innovation and exchange. The proposal is still in the consultation phase.