Amendments affect international students and DLI in Canada

Recent amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations for this 2024 have introduced several key changes affecting international students, designated learning institutions (DLIs) and study permit processing in Canada, so it is important to know what they are and know their effects to avoid problems with the rule, but not to be alarmed, as these amendments are intended to improve compliance with the new regulations, ensure better communication between DLIs and the government and protect the integrity of the study permit process.

This article is of interest to young people and adults with student visas, so read it carefully because it is one of those topics that sometimes become complicated because it deals with multiple sections and sections, but in Immiland we do the daily work of keeping you abreast of the changes and news of the IRCC with our blog on Canadian immigration; today, we make it a compendium of amendments broken down on the new Canadian educational landscape, how they change the rules of the game and what are their implications on international students and DLI. Let's get started!

 
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What are the changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations?

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The rules have changed and now international students will be affected by new regulations. These are:

1. Work restrictions during academic sessions: students may now NOT work more than 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions, but may work full-time during scheduled breaks.
2. Authorization to study without a valid study permit: under the new regulation, Section 189.1: students who apply for a new study permit before their current permit expires may continue to study without a valid permit until a decision is made, provided they remain in Canada and comply with the conditions of their existing permit. 

On the other hand, when their first work permit expires, they must stop working. Once they obtain approval of their extension or new study permit and are in full-time education, they may resume their work authorization.

3. Processing of study permit applications: according to the new regulation, Section 215.1: applications for study permits at postsecondary DLIs must include confirmation from the institution, otherwise such applications will be returned unprocessed.
4. Acceptance confirmation requirements: under the new regulation, Section 216(1)(e): a study permit will NOT be issued unless DLI provides confirmation of the student's acceptance.
5. New application requirement to change DLIs: according to the new regulation, Section 216.1: students accepted into a new DLI must submit a new study permit application prior to starting their new program.
6. Issuance of study permits: regulation, Section 219: A study permit will NOT be issued without written confirmation of acceptance by DLI.
7. Enrollment requirements: under the new regulation, Section 220.1(1)(a): students must remain enrolled in the DLI named on their permit until they complete their studies.
8. Notification of NON-enrollment: under the new regulation, Section 222(1)(a.1): DLIs must notify the minister if a student is no longer enrolled.

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What are the conditions that DLIs must meet?

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In the case of DLIs, there are conditions that have been imposed to ensure compliance with the new regulations and their due verification. 

1. Under the new regulation, Section 222.1: DLIs must now confirm acceptance and provide enrollment status reports within specified timeframes using electronic means.
2. Verification of compliance: Under the new regulation, Section 222.2, officers may verify compliance with DLIs in certain circumstances, such as suspected non-compliance or random checks.
3. Preliminary and Final Determination: Under the new regulation, Sections 222.3 to 222.5, if a DLI is found to be in noncompliance, it will receive a preliminary notice and may file allegations. If noncompliance is confirmed, a final notice will be issued, which could lead to the DLI being placed on a suspension list.
4. Suspension list: under the new regulation, Section 222.6, the minister will maintain a public list of non-compliant DLIs. Study permit applications naming institutions on this list will be returned without being processed.

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What implications do these amendments bring to students and DLIs?

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These amendments ensure that students are properly enrolled and that DLIs are responsible for keeping accurate records and reporting them to the government. 

For students, these amendments provide clarity on work restrictions and offer a way to continue studying while waiting for their permits to be renewed. 

For DLIs, the amendments emphasize the importance of compliance and timely communication with immigration authorities.

The amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations are a significant step towards improving the integrity of Canada's study permit system. They also ensure that students and DLIs comply with stricter measures, ultimately protecting the interests of genuine students and maintaining the quality and reputation of Canadian educational institutions.

Students and DLIs should familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure they meet all requirements and avoid any potential disruption to their academic plans.

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A plan to track international students

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IRCC proposed a plan that only culminated on July 29, 2024, whose changes were intended to increase its control over Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and international students in Canada by tracking under the amendments for study permits.

This topic is critical and of much interest to all involved, so be sure to read our next article for this blog, as we will be addressing key points about what is behind these changes and how they impact those looking to come to Canada by way of study or are already here on a DLI. 

At Immiland, we are ready to help you with everything you need for your studies in Canada. Write to us at info@immilandcanada.com. We handle direct contact with our partner institutions to ensure a smooth admission process. See educational services for study permit, consult DLI change, application letter, confirmation of your acceptance letter and more.

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Successful processing of your study permit!

With love,

Immiland