Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has announced sweeping changes aimed at enhancing the integrity of the country’s education system by doubling the financial criteria for international students applying for study permits. The move intends to ensure students have adequate funds to cover living expenses, travel, and tuition fees.
Miller, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting international students, highlighted concerns about potential abuse within the system. He warned of impending visa limitations if provinces and educational institutions fail to take corrective measures before the upcoming fall term.
The decision also extends the suspension of the 20-hour work limit for international students until April 30, 2024. This measure seeks to address concerns of exploitation and challenges in finding suitable housing for international students, as reported by Canadian public broadcaster CBC.
During a news conference, Miller expressed alarm over certain educational institutions that operate like “puppy mills,” simply churning out diplomas without providing a genuine educational experience. He underscored the need to combat fraud and abuse within the education sector.
The revised financial requirement for prospective students will double to USD 20,635, up from the longstanding threshold of USD 10,000. This change aims to ensure students have sufficient financial resources for their living expenses, adjusted annually based on Statistics Canada benchmarks.
Miller urged learning institutions to responsibly manage the number of international students they accept, considering their capacity to provide housing or assistance in securing off-campus accommodation.
While emphasizing collaborative efforts with provinces to address these concerns, Miller cautioned that the federal government is ready to intervene if necessary, stating, “Enough is enough.”
The minister acknowledged the need for discussions with provinces before potential visa caps are implemented, recognizing the regulatory tools available to them, including the possibility of closing designated learning institutions that do not meet standards.
The overarching goal of these changes is to safeguard international students from potential vulnerabilities and exploitation while ensuring they have a genuine and fulfilling educational experience during their stay in Canada.
Sources By Agencies
