IRCC Proposes New Study Permit Requirements for International Students in Canada

Good news might be on the way for international students living in Canada. IRCC made a recent announcement where they proposed a list of changes to make things better for eligible international students. One of the most particular changes proposed by IRCC is for international students who wish to change their DLI. They may have to apply for a new study permit. 

DLIs stand for Designated Learning institutions. These are the only institutions in Canada that accept international students. 

What does IRCC Propose for International Students?

IRCC is proposing a wide slew of changes for international students in Canada. There is one particular proposal for the students who plan to change their DLIs. Here are the relevant changes they are proposing:

• You must apply for a new study permit if you want to switch DLIs. The application should be submitted before the new program starts. 
• Students can attend the new DLI while waiting for a decision on the new application. They should, however, stay in Canada unless they receive the approval. 

How does this affect International Students in Canada?

Generally, proposals brought forth by IRCC impact costs and benefits that different stakeholders receive. In the above-mentioned policy, it can impact both DLIs and international students. 

It is now mandatory for DLIs to verify the Letters of Acceptance or LOAs as a part of the new study permit application process. The DLIs will incur compliance and administrative expenses for verifying LOAs—a crucial element of the new study permit application procedure. These costs are projected to total $4.8 million present value (PV) over 10 periods. Initially, LOA verification will take approximately three minutes per application, but this time is expected to decrease to 30 seconds as institutions gain familiarity with the process.

International students, on the other hand, incur a financial cost of $150 per new application. The time students need to invest in each application is 30-45 minutes. The processing times of applications are most likely to get longer. 

When will the IRCC Adopt these Changes?

IRCC has just proposed the changes. Nothing has been confirmed yet. 

The changes are currently in a consultation phase, which involves a 30-day period. The majority of changes that reach the consultation phase result in policies. Different regulatory bodies make significant decisions during this stage. The common ones included are provincial and territorial ministries, student representative organizations, national education associations and more. 

The LOA verification process is a classic example of a proposal being adopted into a policy after consultation. As long as the above-mentioned policy is concerned, it will remain in the consultation phase till 29th July 2024. The IRCC will decide on the next steps based on the feedback. 

Stay Informed On Study Permit Changes

Staying informed about study permit changes is crucial for prospective international students and educational institutions alike. Understanding the latest regulations and requirements can ensure a smoother application process, avoid unnecessary delays, and enhance the chances of success. Regularly checking updates from reliable sources, seeking guidance from educational consultants, and engaging with support networks can provide valuable insights and assistance. By remaining proactive and well-informed, students can better navigate the complexities of study permit applications and focus on achieving their academic goals abroad

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