The recent audit by the auditor general has uncovered alarming deficiencies in the oversight of international students in Canada, revealing that the immigration department failed to investigate a substantial number of high-risk cases. Approximately 150,000 cases were flagged for potential non-compliance with study permit terms in 2023 and 2024, yet only about 4,000 investigations were initiated.
Of those investigations, 1,600 were deemed inconclusive because the students did not respond, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current system. The immigration department has a budget that allows for only 2,000 investigations annually until 2028, which severely limits its capacity to address these flagged cases.
Moreover, the audit revealed that between 2018 and 2023, 800 cases involving applicants who used bogus documents or misrepresented their information were not followed up on at all. This lack of action has led to significant concerns regarding the integrity of the international student program.
According to the audit, a staggering 92 percent of problematic visa holders subsequently applied for other immigration statuses in Canada, with 456 of these individuals receiving approvals, including 105 who were granted permanent residency.
Lena Diab, a spokesperson for the immigration department, acknowledged the audit’s findings, stating, “The early audit cannot offer a complete picture of these reforms. It can inform, though, what we do as a go-forward basis.” This indicates a recognition of the need for improvement in the handling of international student cases.
However, Karen Hogan, the auditor general, pointed out that there are clear tools available to the department for addressing fraudulent documentation and non-compliance. She noted, “We didn’t see them consider that in these 800 cases,” highlighting a critical gap in the investigative process.
Michelle Rempel Garner expressed frustration over the lack of actionable deliverables from the department, stating, “The fact that she’s coming out here and cannot come up with a few key clear deliverables to change the system and ensure that all of these cases are being reviewed is crazy to me.” This sentiment underscores the urgency for reform in how these cases are managed.
In response to the audit, the department plans to begin “centralizing” and “streamlining” investigations, aiming to improve oversight and accountability within the international student program. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding how these changes will be implemented and their potential effectiveness.
