Explore the insights into IRCC’s 2024 Trusted Institutions Framework for Canadian colleges and universities, designed to enhance the international student program.   

Based on the latest findings from ICEF, IRCC is committed to enhancing the trustworthiness of Canada’s International Student Program. To achieve this goal, the department will implement a dual-tier approach for granting study permits.  

Priority will be given to Designated Learning Institutions that fulfill the criteria outlined in the IRCC’s Trusted Institutions Framework. This means that these DLIs will expedite the processing of applications for students who come from abroad and choose to enroll in their institutions. A DLI indicates that the provincial and territorial governments have extended offers for international student enrollment.  

A closer look at IRCC’s Trusted Institutions Framework  

IRCC has decided to keep the specifics of this framework private in light of information from ICEF. However, the framework’s main objective will be to assess Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) according to a number of factors. These standards cover their dependability in processing enrollment, confirming the legitimacy of enrolled students, and monitoring and reporting compliance. The framework also strives to provide all international students with a safe and fulfilling environment.  

According to the most recent developments, DLIs will need to give IRCC-specific data to be recognized as Institutions.  

The planned indicators that the DLI will keep track on are listed below:  

Retention Rates: This metric represents the percentage of international students enrolled in multi-year study programs who continue their initial program after completing the first year in Canada.  

On-Time Program Completion Rate: This indicator measures the percentage of international students who successfully complete their study program within the officially designated length. For example, achieving a four-year bachelor’s degree within the prescribed timeframe.  

Percentage of Revenue from International Tuition: This figure signifies the overall percentage of a Designated Learning Institution’s (DLI) tuition revenue that originates from international student tuition fees.  

Scholarships Awarded to International Students from Less Developed Countries: This metric encompasses both the dollar value and the percentage of total scholarships and grants granted to international students hailing from countries listed as the least developed by the United Nations.  

Funding for International Student Support: This parameter accounts for the total value of targeted assistance provided to international students, calculated per international student. It is often relative to the average international student tuition fees and includes services such as career counseling, employment guidance, immigration counseling, and mental health support.  

DLI-Administered Housing for International Students: This indicator quantifies the number of international students residing in accommodations managed by their educational institutions (DLIs).  

Teacher-Student Ratio: This metric calculates the average teacher-student ratio for the ten courses with the highest enrollment of international students.  

In addition, ICEF explained that all data will be obtained directly from the Canadian government. In this section, you will learn about post-graduate results, native nations, and approval rates for study permits. Post-Graduation Work Permits may change as a result of these changes. A further assertion by ICEF is that IRCC desires to compile and evaluate all DLI data in the coming months. A reliable list of Trusted Institutions will also be compiled in the spring of 2024.   

This year, around 900,000 international students are expected to arrive in Canada  

International students continue to select Canada as a study-abroad location. This is because of its top-notch education, accessibility, the possibility of immigration after graduation, and employment options while studying. Additionally, there has been a discernible increase in the number of foreign students studying in Canada, with the IRCC estimating a significant milestone in 2022. Canada received a record-breaking number of 551,405 students from 184 different countries. Furthermore, there were 807,750 international students enrolled in Canada as of December 31, 2022, a record number. All of them had legitimate study visas.   

637,860 foreign students studied in Canada in 2019, and an additional 400,600 study permits were received, according to Statistics Canada. More foreign students will be studying in Canada by 2022 than there were in 2019. Along with the ongoing increase in foreign student enrollment, Canada’s continued appeal as a center for international education is highlighted. It also acts as an inspiration for learning and aspiration for pupils around the globe.   

The top 10 nations from which Canada recruited overseas students in 2022 were on a global scale:   

  • India  
  • France  
  • Brazil  
  • Nigeria  
  • Republic of Korea  
  • Iran  
  • People’s Republic of China  
  • Philippines  
  • Japan  
  • Mexico  

To strengthen the integrity of Canada’s international student program, additional changes are being examined  

According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Canada will welcome more than 900,000 foreign students this academic year. This matches the prediction made by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. They estimate that 5.8 million additional dwellings will be needed. To solve the challenge of housing affordability, it also includes two million rental apartments by 2023.  

The federal government is considering limiting the number of foreign students who are permitted to enter Canada for study in order to ease the pressure on the property market. The federal government is looking at a number of modifications to improve the advantages of Canada’s international student program in addition to the suggested cap. Initiatives like the Trusted Institution Framework are among them.