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Immigration Consultant in Brampton Canada - Sayal Immigration   →  Education
October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023

Breaking News: Canada Takes Bold Steps to Bolster International Student Integrity

Author By Team Sayal Categories Education Visa, Study Visa

Canada’s Immigration Minister Unveils Plan to Strengthen International Student Program Integrity

Canada’s immigration minister, Marc Miller, has made a significant announcement regarding the reinforcement of the international student program’s integrity. In this statement, Miller emphasized that while he opposes imposing a cap on new international student arrivals, the government is taking measures to combat fraud targeting international students. The key initiative involves implementing a new scheme to authenticate Letters of Acceptance (LOA), a vital requirement for prospective international students when applying for a study permit.

Furthermore, the government is progressing with the introduction of a “Recognized Institutions Framework” for Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) by the fall semester of 2024. DLIs encompass colleges, universities, and other educational institutions authorized by provincial and territorial governments to admit international students. This framework is intended to elevate the standards for services, support, and outcomes for international students. DLIs meeting specific integrity criteria set by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) would be eligible for benefits, including priority processing of study permit applications.

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Details about how institutions can attain recognition and the associated benefits will be disclosed in the near future.

Additionally, Minister Miller disclosed that the IRCC will conduct the first review of the popular Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in a decade, with forthcoming reforms aimed at addressing labor shortages in sectors of higher demand and regional and Francophone immigration objectives.

Canada: A Premier Destination for International Students

Canada has solidified its status as a preferred destination for international students. In 2022, it welcomed a record-breaking 551,405 international students from 184 different countries. By the end of 2022, a historic high of 807,750 international students held valid Canadian study permits, demonstrating a quadruple increase in Canada’s international student population over the past 15 years. This surge can be attributed to a growing global middle class seeking educational opportunities abroad and Canada’s appeal to international students due to its high-quality education, employment prospects, and immigration pathways.

In 2022, the top source countries for new international students included India (226,450 students), China (52,165 students), and the Philippines (23,280 students), with Ontario (411,000 students) and British Columbia (164,000 students) being the leading destinations.

Minister Miller revealed that Canada is on track to host approximately 900,000 international students in 2023.

The Canadian government continues to issue a significant number of study permits, with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) granting more than 280,000 new study permits between January and June 2023, marking a 77% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

Addressing International Student Challenges

Today’s announcement comes in the wake of a situation where over 700 Indian students in Canada faced deportation earlier this year after their fraudulent Letter of Acceptance (LOAs) was uncovered by the Canadian government. Many of these students had arrived in Canada to study between 2018 and 2019, and the fraud was only detected after they had completed their studies and were seeking permanent residency. Reports indicated that the fraudulent LOAs were fabricated by an unscrupulous immigration consultant in India who has since disappeared.

At the time, the IRCC stated that international students who were unaware or uninvolved in the fraud would not face deportation, bringing attention to the issue of international student fraud in Canada.

Senate Report Highlights International Student Integrity Concerns

The topic of international student integrity gained prominence with the release of a report by four members of Canada’s Senate on September 20. While recognizing the economic, social, and cultural benefits of international students to Canada, the report also underscored challenges in the integrity of Canada’s international student system. It highlighted the significant role played by education agents, who act as intermediaries on behalf of international student applicants in foreign countries, in compromising the system’s integrity.

The report revealed that many education agents direct international students to Canadian post-secondary programs that do not make graduates eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Completing such programs can result in a waste of time and money, as graduates may not be eligible to work and obtain permanent residence following graduation.

Minister Miller’s Commitment to Integrity

Minister Miller has consistently addressed the issue of international student integrity since assuming the role of Canada’s immigration minister in the summer. In various interviews, he has highlighted the “integrity challenges” within the current visa process for international students in Canada. Aligning with the points made in the Senate report, Miller emphasized that international students often fall victim to “false hope” provided by individuals seeking to exploit them, an issue that the IRCC acknowledges and is determined to tackle head-on.

During a recent hearing before the Canadian Parliamentary Committee for Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM), Miller reiterated the need to address integrity concerns in the international student program.

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April 24, 2023
April 24, 2023

Why you should consider Canada as your Study Destination in 2023 – 10 Compelling Reasons

Author By Team Sayal Categories Education Visa, Study Visa

Canada has become one of the top destinations for international students seeking higher education. With its diverse culture, welcoming environment, and high-quality education system, Canada offers a range of opportunities for students to succeed in their academic pursuits. In this blog post, we will explore why studying in Canada is a smart choice for international students.

  1. High-Quality Education: Canada is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, consistently placing several institutions in the QS World University Rankings’ top 100. The Canadian education system is renowned for its academic excellence, offering a rigorous curriculum and a strong focus on research and innovation. With a diverse range of undergraduate to doctoral programs available across various fields, such as science, engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and leading experts in their respective fields. Canadian universities prioritize providing students with an exceptional education experience, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personal and professional development through extracurricular activities, internships, and community involvement.
  2. Multicultural Environment: Canada’s unwavering commitment to multiculturalism and diversity is evident in its policies, institutions, and social norms. The inclusive and welcoming environment that Canada provides can be especially advantageous for international students, who often hail from different cultural backgrounds and possess diverse perspectives. In a multicultural setting like Canada, international students can interact with individuals from various cultures, enriching their knowledge of different traditions, customs, and ways of life. Such interactions can widen their perspectives and encourage intercultural understanding and respect. Additionally, participation in cultural events and festivals provides opportunities for them to connect with their peers and feel more at home.
  3. Safe and Secure: Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a reputation for being a peaceful and secure place to live. International students studying in Canada can take comfort in the country’s safe and secure environment, which allows them to focus on their studies and enjoy their overall experience. Canadian universities and colleges provide a secure and welcoming environment for all students, with measures such as campus security, emergency response services, and strict anti-bullying policies.
  4. Affordable Living: Canada offers an affordable living environment for international students compared to other top study destinations. The country’s cost of living and tuition fees are relatively lower, making it a viable option for students seeking quality education without breaking the bank. In addition, Canadian universities and colleges provide various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and bursaries, to help students cover their tuition fees and living expenses. These opportunities can help students reduce their financial burden and concentrate on their academic pursuits.
  5. Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: Graduates of Canadian universities have access to post-graduation work opportunities, providing them with valuable work experience and the chance to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Upon graduation, international students can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years. This permit is an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience, apply their academic knowledge to practical situations, and network with potential employers. Additionally, the work experience gained through the PGWP can improve graduates’ eligibility for permanent residency in Canada. Explore-Canada-for-Education
  6. Quality of Life: Canada is known for its high quality of life, with a strong social safety net, excellent healthcare, and a clean environment. These factors make Canada an attractive study destination for international students seeking a comfortable and healthy living environment. The country is committed to sustainability and protecting its natural resources, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same quality of life as the present.
  7. World-Class Research Facilities: Canadian universities are renowned for their world-class research facilities and opportunities. With a strong focus on innovation and technology, Canada is a hub for cutting-edge research and development across various fields. Furthermore, Canadian universities provide opportunities for international students to participate in research projects, providing hands-on experience and valuable exposure to the latest research trends and techniques. This experience can be particularly beneficial for students seeking to pursue advanced degrees or careers in research.
  8. Natural Beauty: Canada is renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty, with vast and diverse landscapes that offer an array of outdoor recreational activities and opportunities for exploration. From the Rocky Mountains in the west to the rugged coastlines of the east, Canada’s natural landscapes are a feast for the senses. The country is home to numerous national parks, forests, and lakes that are teeming with wildlife and offer unparalleled opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
  9. English and French Language Learning: Canada is a bilingual country, with English and French as its two official languages. This provides a unique opportunity for international students to learn both languages, enhancing their career prospects and cultural understanding. English is the primary language of instruction in most Canadian universities and colleges, making it an ideal destination for students seeking to improve their English language skills. Students can also enrol in English language classes or take advantage of language exchange programs to further improve their fluency. In addition to English, French is widely spoken in many parts of Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec. International students can take advantage of language immersion programs, French language classes, or cultural activities to learn French and gain a deeper appreciation of the country’s bilingual heritage.
  10. Vibrant Cities: Canada’s cities offer a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for international students to explore and experience. Each city has its unique culture, attractions, and opportunities for personal growth and development. For instance, Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a cosmopolitan hub with a diverse population, a thriving arts scene, and a world-class business district. Vancouver, on the other hand, is famous for its stunning natural beauty, mild climate, and outdoor recreation opportunities, such as skiing and hiking. Montreal, a predominantly French-speaking city, is renowned for its vibrant arts and music scene, as well as its historic architecture and rich history. International students can benefit from living in these cities, gaining exposure to different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives. They can also take advantage of the numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as internships, volunteering, and networking events.

So, studying in Canada is a smart choice for international students due to its world-class education system, affordability, multiculturalism, post-study work opportunities, and high quality of life. With its welcoming environment and opportunities for personal growth, Canada provides a unique and fulfilling experience for international students seeking higher education.

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