Close X
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
ADVT 
National

Immigration minister announces new rules to curb international student fraud schemes

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 27 Oct, 2023 09:58 AM
  • Immigration minister announces new rules to curb international student fraud schemes

Colleges and universities that issue acceptance letters to international students will have to confirm all of them with the federal immigration department as Canada moves to crack down on fraud.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the new rules Friday following an investigation this summer into more than 100 cases involving fake admission letters.

The department launched a task force in June to investigate a scheme that dates back to 2017, which saw immigration agents issue fake acceptance letters to get international students into Canada.

Of the 103 cases reviewed so far, roughly 40 per cent of students appeared to be in on the scheme, while the rest were victims of it. 

"The use of fraudulent admissions letters has been a major concern for my department this year and continues to pose a serious threat to the integrity of our student program," Miller said at a press conference at Sheraton College in Brampton, Ont. Friday. 

International students are not to blame, he said.

Miller said he also plans to set up a system to recognize post-secondary schools that have higher standards for services, supports and outcomes for international students in time for the next fall semester.

The standards could also include making sure accepted students have access to adequate housing.

"Our goal here is to punish the bad actors to make sure that they are held accountable, and reward the good actors who provide adequate outcomes for the success of international students," the minister said. 

Details about how exactly recognized schools and institutions would benefit under the new system will be released later, the minister said. As an example, he said applicants for those schools would be prioritized when it comes to processing their study permits.

MORE National ARTICLES

Supreme Court of Canada refuses to hear Hells Angels appeal of B.C. forfeiture ruling

Supreme Court of Canada refuses to hear Hells Angels appeal of B.C. forfeiture ruling
The Supreme Court of Canada's refusal to hear a Hells Angels challenge of B.C.'s forfeiture of three clubhouses will "put criminals on notice," the province's pubic safety minister says. The high court ended a years-long court battle on Thursday as it refused to hear an appeal of the seizure of the clubhouses in East Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Kelowna.

Supreme Court of Canada refuses to hear Hells Angels appeal of B.C. forfeiture ruling

Canada committing $10M in humanitarian aid for Israel, Gaza as Canadian flights leave

Canada committing $10M in humanitarian aid for Israel, Gaza as Canadian flights leave
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is giving an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance for urgent needs in Israel and the Gaza Strip. He also says the first airlift of 130 Canadians that left Tel Aviv earlier today has landed in Athens.

Canada committing $10M in humanitarian aid for Israel, Gaza as Canadian flights leave

'New wave of building' in Vancouver comes as mayor makes plans to focus on more homes

'New wave of building' in Vancouver comes as mayor makes plans to focus on more homes
The mayor of Vancouver set out a foundation on Wednesday to address the housing crisis in the city, while reducing barriers to building and streamlining regulations. Ken Sim released a seven-point motion going before council that would direct city staff to prioritize new housing construction, allow for increased density around transit hubs, speed up a plan for 26 villages in the city and increase enforcement of short-term rental regulations. 

'New wave of building' in Vancouver comes as mayor makes plans to focus on more homes

Two Canadians killed by Hamas in Israel remembered as proud and loving

Two Canadians killed by Hamas in Israel remembered as proud and loving
Two Canadians killed by Hamas gunmen while attending a music festival in southern Israel over the weekend are being remembered as generous, kind and those who brought love to the world. Friends and family have confirmed 22-year-old Ben Mizrachi from Vancouver and former Montreal resident Alexandre Look, who recently celebrated his 33rd birthday, were two of the hundreds killed when gunman swarmed the music event on Saturday.

Two Canadians killed by Hamas in Israel remembered as proud and loving

Canada to airlift citizens, permanent residents out of Israel in 'coming days': Joly

Canada to airlift citizens, permanent residents out of Israel in 'coming days': Joly
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed Tuesday that Ottawa is planning to airlift Canadians out of Tel Aviv in "the coming days," as conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates. Joly said the government aims to conduct the evacuation using aircraft from the Canadian Armed Forces, and it is working on additional options for people who are unable to reach the airport in Tel Aviv.

Canada to airlift citizens, permanent residents out of Israel in 'coming days': Joly

Nursing seats now open at KPU

Nursing seats now open at KPU
115 new nursing seats are now open to students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, increasing the program size by nearly 50 per cent. A new nursing lab and technology upgrades are now complete at the Langley campus.

Nursing seats now open at KPU