On 28 December 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has announced changes to the International Student Program (ISP). Under the proposed amendments, CIC would work with provinces and territories to develop a framework to designate educational institutions that will be permitted to host international students. A non-designated school will still be allowed to offer programs of no more than six months to foreign nationals in Canada on regular visitor visas.
Students of designated institutions instead would also be allowed to work part-time off-campus, without having to apply for a separate work permit as they do under the current legislation.
However, while so far the applicant had to demonstrate an intention to study in order to receive a student pass, but no verification was made on his status once he actually arrived in Canada, the new provisions require the applicant to demonstrate evidence of study.
The proposed changes were posted on 28 December 2012 in the Canada Gazette for a 45-day public comment period.