Canada’s Student Permit Program to Undergo Modernization with Trusted Institutions Framework

The Trusted Institutions Framework, proposed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is a pivotal response to concerns stemming from the Strategic Immigration Review and ongoing scrutiny of the International Students Program. Here’s an overview of its key features and objectives:

1. Addressing Concerns: The framework aims to tackle several pressing concerns, including the vulnerability of international students, unsustainable growth in application volumes affecting education quality and infrastructure, and barriers faced by diverse students.
2. Expedited Study Permit Processing: IRCC plans to expedite study permit processing for applicants to Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that meet specific criteria. These criteria encompass sustainable recruitment, genuine student attraction, robust student support, equity and diversity promotion, and strong student outcomes.
3. Data-Driven Eligibility: Metrics will play a crucial role in assessing DLIs’ eligibility for Trusted Institutions status. IRCC will consider data from various sources, including its own records, the Government of Canada, and DLIs themselves. The framework will continuously evolve, exploring new data sources to improve effectiveness.
4. Key Indicators: Various indicators will be employed, derived from both IRCC data and DLI-held data. These indicators encompass study permit approval rates, post-graduation outcomes, diversity of international students’ origins, retention rates, on-time program completion rates, revenue from international student tuition, scholarships, funding for student support, housing availability, and teacher-student ratios.
5. Testing and Refinement: IRCC plans to test the data collection process with a select group of public colleges and universities, considering factors such as region, language, institution type, and size. Test results will inform further refinements to the framework and survey process.
6. Timeline: Testing will occur in the summer of 2023, with refinements made based on findings by fall 2023. The survey will then be made available to all DLIs. In spring 2024, data analysis will identify DLIs eligible for Trusted Institution status, potentially expediting processing for the 2024 academic season.

The Trusted Institutions Framework holds the promise of creating a more inclusive and efficient environment for international students and DLIs, enhancing Canada’s education landscape.

Source: Government of Canada – Trusted Institutions Framework