Immigration Minister Marc Miller shed light on regions in Canada where private institutions are allegedly conferring what he referred to as “fake degrees.”
Immigration Minister Marc Miller shed light on regions in Canada where private institutions are allegedly conferring what he referred to as “fake degrees.”
The Canadian federal government imposed a cap on international student permits for the next two years, asserting the need to rein in the sector. In response, both British Columbia and Ontario have pledged to take action against private post-secondary institutions accused of exploiting international students.
Each province and territory will receive a share of the total student visas, allocated based on population. In certain provinces, permits may see a reduction of approximately 50 percent.
In a conversation with CBC’s Power and Politics, Minister Marc Miller highlighted British Columbia and Ontario as regions where private institutions are allegedly conferring what he referred to as “fake degrees.”
He expressed concerns that such institutions have proliferated in recent years and emphasized the necessity for federal and provincial governments to address and control the situation.
Responsibilities
Miller suggested the need to urge provinces to fulfill their responsibilities, emphasizing that provinces have the specific tools required to address the matter and uphold the integrity of the system.
Previous reports by CBC News have highlighted instances where private post-secondary institutions have allegedly misled international students.
These reports also shed light on recruiters making questionable claims regarding jobs and residency, as well as allegations of issuing fake documents for visa applications.
Miller, who revealed the federal government’s decision to limit international student permits for the next two years, informed CBC’s David Cochrane that there are numerous ‘degree-granting institutions’ nationwide. He said that provinces share the responsibility for taking measures to address these institutions.
Standards
Selina Robinson, the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills in British Columbia, stated that her government is in the process of devising a “suite of actions” to be announced next week, aiming to significantly enhance quality standards in international education.
In an interview with CBC Radio’s BC Today, Minister Robinson mentioned that British Columbia has over 250 private post-secondary institutions. She expressed dismay over some of their actions, citing instances where students were allegedly recruited with false promises of in-class instruction and guaranteed housing.
“We’re going to be requiring much more accountability by these private institutions.” she said.
Exploitation
Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop said in a statement that the province is collaborating with the federal government to address practices like predatory recruitment.
“We know some bad actors are taking advantage of these students with false promises of guaranteed employment, residency, and Canadian citizenship,” Dunlop said.
The federal government introduced additional changes, including a new requirement for international students seeking a permit to submit an attestation letter from a province or territory.
Beginning in September, international students enrolling in programs covered by a curriculum licensing arrangement, where a private college is authorized to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college, will no longer qualify for post-graduation work permits.
Provinces and territories will be responsible for determining how permits are allocated among universities and colleges within their jurisdictions. The cap on international student permits will be in effect for a two-year period, with a reassessment of the number of visas to be issued in 2025 scheduled for the end of this year.
Philip Landon, interim president and CEO of Universities Canada, expressed that the decision could potentially reduce the significant influx of students attending these institutions. However, he voiced concerns about the magnitude of the reduction being delegated to provinces within a tight timeline.
Consistency
Sarom Rho, the national coordinator of Migrant Students United, advocates for improved funding for public education by provinces and the rejection of the increasing privatization of post-secondary education.
Rho mentioned that a series of recent government announcements impacting international students, including a recent increase in income requirements, has been an emotional rollercoaster. She is advocating for consistency and comprehensive changes that address the root of the problem without adversely affecting students.
