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International Student Program (ISP) Evaluation – Management response

Key Finding Response Action Accountability Implementation Date
I. Program Relevance
Partners and stakeholders indicate a strong need for the ISP, identifying the many economic, cultural and social benefits that international students bring to Canada. CIC agrees with this finding. No action required. Immigration N/A
The ISP is aligned with broader GoC and OGD objectives, but is challenged by the differing mandates of the lead departments – CIC, DFAIT and CBSA – which at times may be at cross-purposes. CIC will continue to work with other departments engaged on the international student file, in order to manage differing priorities as they arise, through fora such as the Advisory Committee on International Students and Immigration (ACISI), and the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Consultative Committee on Education Related International Activities (FPCCERIA). In June 2010, CIC obtained approval to enter into negotiations with PTs to jointly manage the ISP, with a particular focus on improving program integrity. In line with this, CIC will be establishing a multilateral ad hoc Working Group, comprising of representatives from PT ministries of education and immigration, DFAIT and CBSA. Immigration Fall 2010
II. Benefits
The economic benefits for educational institutions and communities through the revenue generated by international students are extensive, and distributed across much of Canada. CIC agrees with this finding. No action required. Immigration/ OMC/ IR N/A
There has been a greater recognition of the longer-term economic benefits that international students can bring to Canada through their eventual immigration and integration. Increasingly, international students are staying to work post-graduation or reside in Canada. However, the number retained is still relatively small compared to the total number of those studying in Canada. With the introduction of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in September 2008, the number of international students transitioning to permanent residents has increased. In 2009, approximately 3,000 applications were received under the student stream for CEC. Admissions are projected to rise in 2010 and beyond.
 
Moreover, the provinces continue to experience increased intake of international students through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Those that currently have student streams in their PNPs include British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
 
It is worth noting that PNP student streams are meant to retain students living and working in a particular province, whereas CEC permits applicants to select the province/territory of their choice.
 
It is also important to note that in cases where international students choose to return to their countries of origin, this also creates benefits to Canada by strengthening the economic, social and cultural ties between Canada and the home countries of international students.		 CIC will continue to monitor the progress of existing programs, and assess trends in terms of international students working after graduation and transitioning to permanent residence (Ongoing). Immigration/ Communications/ OMC/IR N/A
III. Global Competitiveness
While Canada’s study/work offerings for international students are comparable to those of other countries, it is still being outperformed by comparable countries.
  • Issues with respect to promotion and application processing were identified as possible obstacles to Canada’s global competitiveness.
 The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to increase its standing as a destination of choice for international students. Through the recent launch of the “Imagine” brand, and increased cooperation and coordination between DFAIT and PT ministries of education, it is expected that Canada will become a stronger competitor in the international education sector.
 
With regards to application processing, CIC processing times are competitive, with close to 70% of study permit applications being processed within 28 days. Factors such as medical examinations, criminal checks, and verification of bona fides must also be taken into consideration. In competitor countries such as Australia, UK and the USA, average processing times vary between 4-6 weeks.
 
CIC has introduced pilot projects in specific missions aimed at further reducing processing times and streamlining overall application procedures (e.g. Student Partners Program in India, and up-front medicals in China).
 
CIC will continue to review potential options for streamlining application procedures, and further reducing processing times, where feasible.		 Promotion:
Promotion of international education falls under the responsibility of DFAIT and PTs.
Processing:
CIC has recently introduced a range of online application services for study permits and work permits for international students in Canada, and will be piloting online application services for study permits overseas for select visa-exempt countries in 2010-11		 Promotion: DFAIT Processing:
SIO/IR/CPR		 Promotion:
N/A Processing:
Fall 2010
IV. Program Integrity
CIC’s policy framework and gaps in program design leave the ISP vulnerable to potential misuse.
  • There is no legislative requirement for international students to study once they are in Canada.
  • CIC does not have a complete list of legitimate educational institutions in Canada.
 CIC agrees with this finding. In Fall 2010, CIC will begin negotiations with PTs, with the objective to enter into bilateral arrangements/MOUs for the joint management of the ISP.
As part of the negotiations, CIC will:
  1. propose to introduce regulatory changes that would require international students to study; and
  2. ask PTs to provide CIC with a list of legitimate educational institutions.
 Immigration Fall 2011
There is reported fraud and misuse in the ISP. The absence of data and consistent reporting on fraud has made it difficult to determine the extent of the problem and related implications for program integrity. CIC agrees with this finding. As part of the work to be conducted with PTs, CIC plans to improve on the identification of genuine educational institutions upfront, and the monitoring of student compliance after arrival. These initiatives are expected to reduce incidences of fraud, as well as improve data capture and consistent reporting on program compliance. Immigration Fall 2011
Quality assurance activities are variable across the department, making it difficult to assess the overall quality and consistency of decision-making on student applications. CIC recognizes the importance of consistency in all our program delivery. As we move to modernize our service delivery model we will ensure that quality assurance is a key objective of our program delivery and that it is applied in a consistent and risk-based fashion to ensure more robust program integrity. The Draft Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) is currently in consultation with other branches within CIC and will be presented in September to senior management. The QAF includes:
  • mandatory reporting requirements, and
  • central analysis function to leverage lessons learned and best practices within the network.
 OMC/IR/
CPR		 2010/2011
V. Program Management and Delivery
Visa offices identified a need for greater information and support related to genuine/non-genuine educational institutions and programs. CIC agrees with this finding. As part of the negotiations with PTs, CIC will request that PTs provide CIC with a list of genuine educational institutions, and eligible programs.
CIC will also refer to CIC local offices and RHQs for support in identifying genuine and non-genuine institutions based on information local offices have gathered.		 Immigration/ IR/OMC Fall 2011
VI. Application Processing
In 2008, 65% of study permit applications were completed within 28 days, although this percentage varied considerably by visa office and region (from 80% in Europe, to 54% in Africa & Middle East). The perception of fraud, type of educational institution and visa and medical requirements affect this variability. The Australians have developed an interesting service standard model that recognizes variations in the risks associated with different applications by having different time standards for different categories of applications. In 2009, close to 70% of study permit applications were processed within 28 days.
 
CIC will continue to review potential options for streamlining application procedures, and further reducing processing times, where feasible. 		CIC has recently introduced a range of online application services for study permits and work permits for international students in Canada, and will be piloting online application services for study permits overseas for select visa-exempt countries in 2010-11. SIO/IR/CPR Fall 2010

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