Amid reports of fake admissions and concerns over the integrity of student immigration, Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has raised concerns about the overall system that educates a large number of international students. Miller’s remarks come as Canada is on track to welcome a record 900,000 international students this year, raising questions about the authenticity of admissions and potential impacts on students’ careers and futures.
In an interview with Canada Broadcasting Corporation, Minister Miller emphasized that the Canadian government’s concern extends beyond housing pressures to encompass the integrity of the entire education system that caters to international students. He pointed out that both private and public universities generate significant revenue, amounting to C$20-C$30 billion ($14.7-$22.1 billion) annually, from international students.
While some institutions are legitimately benefiting from international student enrollment, others are exploiting the system through fake admissions, Miller stated. He expressed his primary concern about maintaining the integrity of the education system to ensure a fair and legitimate process for international students.
When asked about the possibility of capping the number of student admissions, Miller indicated that simply imposing a hard cap might not be the sole solution to the challenges faced by the system. He responded to discussions about capping student intake by highlighting the complexity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive approach.
Meanwhile, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is reportedly planning to implement a new Trusted Institution framework by 2024 as part of a larger strategy to modernize the International Student Program (ISP). The Trusted Institution framework aims to enhance the student visa program’s credibility and authenticity, ensuring that students are enrolled in legitimate institutions and programs.
In light of Canada’s growing popularity as an international education destination, the government’s efforts to address issues related to integrity, housing, and revenue generation are crucial to maintaining a fair and sustainable system for both students and institutions.