OTTAWA — Canada’s international student program is facing renewed scrutiny after a report from Auditor General Karen Hogan found serious weaknesses in how the federal government monitors compliance and investigates potential fraud.
The report concludes that recent reforms “fell short” of improving the integrity of the system, with officials failing to act on a large number of red flags raised by post-secondary institutions.
According to the audit, more than 153,000 potentially non-compliant students were reported to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in 2023 and 2024. However, the department only had the capacity to investigate about 4,000 cases during that period — a small fraction of those flagged.
Even in cases that were investigated, the response was limited. Over 1,600 students failed to respond to inquiries from IRCC, yet the department took minimal additional steps to confirm non-compliance.
Hogan described the lack of follow-through as “concerning,” noting that authorities already have the tools and powers required to act but are not using them effectively.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the government accepts the auditor general’s recommendations and has committed to strengthening enforcement and follow-up measures.
The report also highlights deeper concerns about fraud within the system. Auditors found that around 800 individuals used fraudulent documents or misrepresented their educational background, yet many were still allowed to remain in Canada. In fact, more than half of those individuals later received additional permits, and over 100 were granted permanent residency.
In one example, 710 applicants claimed to have attended institutions that either did not exist or were effectively selling credentials for immigration purposes.
Another major issue raised in the audit is the lack of tracking for students whose permits expire. Of approximately 549,000 permits that expired in 2024, about 93 per cent of individuals were allowed to remain in Canada. Among roughly 39,500 people with no legal status, only about 40 per cent were confirmed to have left the country.
The findings come after a rapid surge in international student applications, which rose by more than 120 per cent between 2019 and 2023. While recent policy changes have reduced the number of approved study permits, the audit notes the decline was sharper than expected and disproportionately impacted smaller provinces.
Opposition critics argue the report exposes serious flaws in the system. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner said the findings show a lack of proper checks and balances and warned that the current system risks both public confidence and the well-being of international students themselves.
Despite the criticism, the federal government maintains that reforms are still in early stages and will continue to evolve through 2027, as it aims to bring Canada’s temporary population below five per cent of the total population.
The report underscores growing pressure on Ottawa to balance immigration growth with stronger enforcement, transparency and system integrity.