Important federal changes to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) regulations that affect all York University international students who hold Study Permits came into effect on June 1, 2014. The new regulations stipulate that Study Permit holders must actively pursue academic studies in their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and that DLIs such as York University must provide international compliance reports to Citizenship and Immigration Canada twice a year.
Some of the objectives of these new regulations include the need to reduce the number of non-genuine or poor quality learning institutions to host international students, to monitor bonafide international students in Canada, to explicitly impose Study Permit conditions, and to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration program. Additionally, the regulations eliminated the Off-Campus Work Permit Program (OCWPP) making it easier for international students to work off-campus.
How do these changes this affect the international student community? International students are responsible for being aware of the new immigration requirements and are required to inform CIC about any changes in their status. They must maintain a minimum 4.0 GPA (undergraduate students) and remain in full-time status. Those students close to graduating should note that a Study Permit becomes invalid 90 days after completion of the academic program. Non-compliant students face serious implications and may be subject to review, investigation and removal from Canada. York University international students are also now required to provide their CIC Client IDs online using online services.
Since these regulation changes are relatively new, there is still some confusion about the how they affect different students with varying situations however CIC is working hard to continue informing the international education community regarding any updates. In turn, York International will continue to pass on those updates, inform and advise international students, faculty and staff in addition to providing training and relevant communication related to the changes. However, international students are still reminded to check the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website often for updates and information:.
Finally, international students are encouraged to direct any immediate questions or doubts to the York International office and to follow the following steps to stay informed and compliant:
- Input your Client ID#
- Book an advising appointment online by clicking here.
- Sign up to the listserv: Email iadvisor@yorku.ca with full name and email address
- Join the International Student Peer Program
