Canada shifts focus from enrolment surge to quality control
Postsecondary institutions would have to ensure that international students comply with study permit conditions
In a significant shift, the Canadian government has proposed regulations to address concerns over the rapid surge of international students by placing a stronger emphasis on quality control rather than sheer numbers.
As of July 2024, the federal government has introduced measures aimed at ensuring international students adhere to study permit conditions while protecting the integrity of the education system from exploitation.
The proposals, opened for public consultation until late July, outlined new responsibilities for Canadian postsecondary institutions, which would play a more active role in ensuring compliance.
From volume to value
In 2023, Canada welcomed a record-breaking one million international students — more than double the number seen just eight years prior. This unprecedented growth has fueled concerns about how well institutions are able to support and monitor the students they attract. As a result, the government’s strategy has shifted from promoting enrolment growth to enhancing oversight, as a means of maintaining Canada’s reputation as a provider of quality education.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s announcement of a two-year cap on new international undergraduate study permits earlier this year signalled a turning point.
Rather than continuing to expand the student base, the federal government is focused on addressing potential risks of over-admission and ensuring that institutions can meet the needs of their international students.
Institutional accountability
The proposed regulations will require designated learning institutions to track international students’ enrolment and attendance and regularly report their status to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Institutions that fail to comply with these monitoring requirements could face serious consequences, including the suspension of their ability to accept new international students for up to 12 months.
This approach shifts a significant portion of the accountability for student compliance from the federal government to the institutions themselves.
Postsecondary institutions must now ensure that international students are meeting their study permit requirements, which includes consistent attendance and academic progress.
“By holding institutions accountable for reporting on their international students, we’re aiming to prevent unethical practices and exploitation while supporting legitimate students,” the Canada Gazette noted.
Additionally, students will be required to reapply for a new study permit if they choose to change institutions, adding another layer of oversight to ensure program integrity.
New work-hour cap
Another key change in the proposed regulations is an increase in the weekly work hour cap for international students, from 20 to 24 hours per week.
This adjustment reflects Canada’s ongoing labour market needs, as international students have become an essential workforce, particularly in sectors facing shortages.
The government temporarily lifted the work-hour cap during the pandemic, allowing students to work more hours.
The new 24-hour limit offers a balance between supporting students' financial needs and ensuring their focus remains on academic success.
Balancing federal and provincial roles
Education in Canada is traditionally a provincial responsibility, and the new rules could place added administrative pressure on institutions that must balance both provincial educational mandates and federal immigration standards.
Some smaller institutions may find it particularly challenging to meet these new monitoring obligations, raising concerns about their ability to continue attracting international students without risking non-compliance.
Student concerns
For international students, the new regulations introduce both opportunities and challenges.
While the increased work-hour cap is seen as a positive change, some students worry about the potential impact of stricter compliance requirements.
The need to reapply for study permits when switching institutions could lead to delays and added complications in pursuing further studies or changing academic paths.
A second-year student from China studying at the University of Toronto, voiced concerns about the new rules. “I came to Canada for its flexible education system and the opportunities to explore different programs. These new requirements might make it harder for students like me to adapt and grow during our time here.”
For such students, who hope to enhance their employment opportunities through additional studies, the increased oversight may create hurdles.
At the same time, these measures are seen by the government as necessary to ensure that students receive the education and opportunities they expect when choosing to study in Canada.
“These measures are designed to ensure that international students arriving in Canada receive the quality education they signed up for,” Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasised. “We’re committed to providing a system that works for both students and institutions in the long run.”
Canada's evolving approach reflects the growing need to balance its role as a leading destination for international education with the imperative to safeguard academic quality, institutional accountability, and student well-being.
Source: The Varsity