Canadian immigration authorities suddenly investigate international students: reviewing emails causes panic, not responding leads to losing student visas!
Recently, a large number of international students have been feeling panicked after receiving an email from the Immigration Canada (IRCC). The email pointed out that there were issues with their study visas or educational records (such as grades and attendance), despite their visas still having a validity period of up to two years.
These emails are part of the Canadian government's strengthened supervision of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and international student learning status, aimed at ensuring that educational institutions and students comply with immigration laws and academic integrity through stricter scrutiny.
According to Indian media reports, an international student who declined to be named said, "These emails are formal inquiry letters, requesting students to provide evidence to prove the legality of their academic and immigration status. If they fail to respond in a timely or sufficient manner, it may be considered non compliant, leading to the revocation of their student visa and even deportation
The student also claimed that several of his friends received the same email.
According to an education consultant in Punjab, students who receive emails are usually those who change schools or courses without notifying IRCC, as well as students with poor academic performance, such as low attendance, failing exams, being expelled from school, and dropouts.
In the past, the flexibility of replacing DLIs has been abused by some intermediaries. For example, during the September 2023 enrollment season, approximately 100 students associated with Pinnacle Education changed DLIs upon arrival in Canada. This practice allowed students to avoid attending classes every day and devote more time to work, and some colleges reportedly assisted in this behavior, "Tirath Singh, head of Pinnacle Education based in Jalandhar, Punjab, told the Indian Express. This institution mainly provides opportunities for students to study in Canada.
Singh continued, "However, Canada has now tightened regulations that require students to obtain a new student visa when changing DLIs. This measure aims to curb visa abuse and ensure that students truly prioritize their studies. The Canadian government has started conducting two annual reviews of DLIs, focusing on their operations and student records. This is in response to growing concerns about certain colleges admitting international students with poor academic performance
He added, 'Now DLIs must submit detailed reports about their students, including attendance rates, learning progress, and compliance with study visas.'. Institutions that fail to comply will face serious consequences, including the possibility of having their licenses revoked
Singh explained that students who replace DLIs now must report the replacement situation to IRCC. If the student does not do so, the original school will notify the government that the student is no longer registered at the school. Although Canada allows for the replacement of DLIs, students must apply for a new student visa for their new school.
We have recently received a large number of phone calls and emails from students, some of whom were processed through us but changed DLIs upon arrival in Canada. They are seeking guidance on how to apply for a new student visa, "Singh said. I have handled the cases of two students, and their situations are genuine and meet the requirements. I hope they can obtain new student visas as soon as possible."
Image source: Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Singh also stated that students who have not changed their DLIs but have low attendance and poor academic performance are also required to explain their educational status.
We are concerned because stricter measures mean increased pressure to comply with academic and immigration regulations. Many of us now realize that ignorance or deliberate evasion - such as skipping classes or failing to report to IRCC to replace DLIs - could jeopardize our future in Canada, "said a student.
However, we were told not to panic. Even if we replace DLIs without notifying the government, as long as we do study seriously and maintain good grades in the new school, there is no need to worry, "another student said.
However, Gurpal Singh, another advisor to Jalandal, reminded students not to ignore IRCC's letter, as failure to reply would be considered as default guilt.
The correct approach is that students who receive such emails must reply promptly, as there are specific time limits for replies. Students should provide all necessary documents and explanations during this period. If necessary, guidance can be sought from immigration consultants, legal advisors, or student support service agencies to ensure the correct steps are taken.
Tirath emphasized, "These emails may make students feel like harassment, but they are not. Strengthening scrutiny reflects Canada's extensive efforts to maintain the integrity of the education system and curb visa abuse. For students, these measures are a warning bell, reminding them to prioritize compliance and academic performance. For those who try to exploit loopholes, the future path may become increasingly challenging
The consultant stated that applying for a new student visa does not necessarily mean being rejected, as students with genuine circumstances have a high chance of being approved.
Source link:
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/canada-students-punjab-education-consultants-9706001/