Recent data that has raised debates on the efficacy of Canada’s international student compliance system has revealed a concerning trend of international students failing to enrol or attend their designated institutions in Canada after obtaining study permits. Among nearly 50,000 reported no-shows, Nigerian students ranked third, following their counterparts from India and China. The figures, which were released by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), indicate that between March and April 2024, 49,676 international students did not comply with their study permits.
This accounts for 6.9 percent of the 717,539 foreign students tracked during this period. While 89.8 precent of these students were compliant, a significant number failed to meet the requirements, further underlining systemic gaps. India led with 19,582 non-compliant students, followed by China with 4,279 and Nigeria with 3,902. Ghana was close behind with 2,712 non-compliant candidates. This trend can be attributed to several complex factors, including visa irregularities, financial constraints, and Mental Health challenges.
High cost of living and mental health challenges exacerbate absenteeism.
Some candidates may have secured study permits through fraudulent means or violated visa terms, leading to non-compliance. For many, the financial burden of living in Canada, exacerbated by job losses or reduced income, forces them to prioritise work over their studies. Mental health issues also play a significant role. Adjusting to a foreign country can be overwhelming, particularly for candidates without robust support systems. The stress of balancing academic expectations, cultural integration, and financial pressures can negatively impact their performance and ability to stay enrolled.
These challenges point to support better structures and resources to help international students navigate their academic and personal lives in the country. Meanwhile, another factor contributing to absenteeism is the allure of post-study work opportunities. Some candidates may prioritise gaining work experience over completing their degrees, viewing employment as a more immediate benefit. The Canadian government’s relatively lenient reporting requirements for institutions also play a part. While countries like the UK and Australia mandate institutions to report no-shows within tighter timelines, Canadian institutions have up to 60 days to submit compliance reports.
Broader implications for Canada’s education and immigration systems.
In 2024, the IRCC uncovered over 10,000 fraudulent student acceptance letters. About 80 percent of these fake documents were linked to Indian students from Gujarat and Punjab, reflecting a broader issue of exploitation within the international Education sector. Stricter verification measures and intensified scrutiny have been implemented, but challenges persist. The growing number of non-compliant learners has implications for Canada’s reputation as a global education hub. Institutions rely heavily on international students, who contribute significantly to the Economy through tuition fees and living expenses.
However, the high rate of absenteeism raises concerns about the integrity of the system and the effectiveness of current policies in ensuring compliance. Stakeholders have called for reforms to address these issues. Some suggested measures are strengthening institutional accountability, enhancing support for international students, and improving the verification process for study permits. Additionally, aligning the country’s reporting requirements with other major study destinations could improve monitoring and reduce non-compliance. As a result, failure to comply with study permits has serious consequences for students and institutions, which means students may lose their visa status, face deportation, or be barred from re-entering Canada.
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On the institution’s part, the institutions may face penalties for failing to report accurately, impacting their ability to attract international prospects in the future. These outcomes underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of absenteeism. Efforts should focus on providing financial aid, mental health support, and mentorship programs to help them succeed. Collaborative initiatives between the government, educational institutions, and community organisations can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for international learners. By addressing these challenges, Canada can strengthen its position as a preferred destination for global education while maintaining the integrity of its immigration and education systems.