Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller is implementing new rules in an effort to stop fraud involving international student applications.
Miller made the announcement at Sheridan College in Brampton on Thursday, following an investigation into fake admission letters in the summer.
The new rules include requiring learning institutions to confirm every applicant’s letter of acceptance directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as well as recognizing trusted schools.
These measures are being implemented to stop a pattern of fraud that is affecting international students hoping to study in Canada.
“International students are talented, bright and deserving of a positive experience as they pursue their studies in Canada. We will continue to improve Canada’s International Student Program by protecting students and weeding out those who try to take advantage of them,” Miller said.
“Whether an international student stays and works after graduation or returns home, we want their time as a student in Canada to have been beneficial to their growth and aspirations.”
IRCC reviewed 103 international student application cases over the summer and found only 63 to be genuine students.
International education accounts for more than $22 billion in economic activity annually, supporting more than 200,000 jobs in Canada.
