Canadian Senators Unveil Urgent Reforms to International Student Program

A recent report, co-authored by Senators Sabi Marwah, Ratna Omidvar, Yuen Pau Woo and Hassan Yussuff, sheds light on the challenges facing Canada's international student program. The report is entitled Improving the Integrity of Canada's International Student Program and emphasizes the need for federal, provincial and territorial governments to address problems within the program.

International students play a significant role in Canada's economy, society and culture and showcase Canada's global appeal by bringing substantial benefits; however, the report highlights the urgent need to address challenges that undermine the integrity of the program, such as the mistreatment and exploitation of students.

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Position of Senators Ratna Omidvar and Yuen Pau Woo on addressing program integrity.

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Ontario Independent Senator Ratna Omidvar, who has a strong pro-student stance, noted that this program has faced challenges despite its success and that international students have a strong desire to be academically educated in Canada, but face several obstacles, including high tuition fees and mistreatment and, in many cases, lack the support needed to overcome these challenges, so she supports reforming the program to ensure it benefits both the country and the students who contribute significantly to our nation.

The challenges associated with Canada's international student program have much to do with designated learning institutions (DLIs), which impose high tuition fees, education consultants, landlords, employers and government entities. These problems include lack of adequate housing, limited employment opportunities, and the regulation of education agents and private educational institutions.

On the other hand, Senator Yuen Pau Woo emphasized that program integrity challenges stem from the financial constraints of Canada's higher education sector, which in turn affects broader issues such as student neglect, lack of affordable housing, and criticism of the program itself. It is the fact that these problems involve multiple levels of government and private entities that makes the importance of addressing them urgent.

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Recommendations to strengthen Canada's International Student Program

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To improve the integrity of Canada's International Student Program, the report urges federal, provincial and territorial governments to consider the following measures:

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1. Conduct a national review of financial sustainability

‍Byproposing a national debate to ensure the financial stability of DLIs, thereby reducing their dependence on international student tuition fees.

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2. Maintain greater oversight of DLIs and their agents.

By suggesting stricter criteria for DLIs to provide greater support for international students including housing, legal rights, employment and mental health.

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3. Promote better awareness of ineligibility for post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

In this regard, it is recommended to further disseminate information to international students enrolling in programs not eligible for these work permits (PGWP).

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4. Encourage the provision of housing

By advocating for the active involvement of the federal government in ensuring an adequate supply of student housing through data collection and infrastructure funding.

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5. Informing international students

This requires encouragingfederal and provincial governments to provide better education to international students about their legal rights, housing, employment opportunities, and protection against fraud and scams.

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6. Develop a national policy strategy on temporary to permanent resident pathways (TR to PR).TR to PR)

Address the gap between the number of international students and available spaces for permanent residency through a national strategy.

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7. Create a national policy strategy for the support of integration.

‍Thatprovides better attention to international students and assists them in their transition to permanent residency.

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8. Manage a national language standard

‍ForDLI admission criteria that mitigates problems arising from insufficient language skills.

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9. Advocate for an improved process for the verification of letters of admission.

‍Inorder to prevent fraud and misuse.

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10. Reforming the regulation of education agents

Introducing federal oversight measures, imposing sanctions for misconduct and establishing a centralized agent information system.

At the provincial and territorial level, the report suggests exploring additional regulations on tuition fees for international students and introducing regulations on education agents, similar to Manitoba's International Education Act.

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International students contribute significantly to Canada's socio-economic and cultural growth, yet the integrity of the International Student Program requires immediate attention that is commensurate with the contribution made by this valuable sector of the population. That is why the senators have raised their voices in favor of a better application of the program and have prepared this report with the objective of transforming it into a much fairer and more dignified one for international students and, therefore, for the country. As such, it is more likely that Canada will continue to reap the benefits of this valuable demographic while maintaining its reputation for excellence in international education.

In this official link, you can read the full report: Improving the Integrity of Canada's International Student Program.

This same issue had already been announced in October 2023; you can expand on this information in our article Is Canada considering imposing a visa cap on international students?

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If you are considering studying in Canada or are already enrolled and have questions about your current situation in the country, you can write to us at Info@immilandcanada.com so that an Immiland regulated consultant can guide you. You can also request a free evaluation or schedule a consultation with us.

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With love,

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Immiland