CIMM – Enhanced Communications for Genuine Students Impacted by Fraud – February 7, 2024

Key Facts and Figures

• In June 2023, a joint Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) taskforce was established to review the cases of international students facing enforcement action following investigations into the submission of fake letters of acceptance when they previously applied for a study permit, and to ensure that genuine students would not be removed from Canada.
• As of January 8, 2024, the taskforce has reviewed 108 cases including clients pending an Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) hearing and those with an enforceable removal order. It was determined that in total 67 individuals were genuine students, 40 were non-genuine, and one needs further review.
  • Of the 52 individuals with an enforceable removal order, 34 were determined to be genuine students and were authorized temporary resident permits of up to three years. 18 were determined non-genuine and returned to enforcement.
  • The 55 remaining individuals will be actioned accordingly once their IRB hearings are completed.

Key Messages

• IRCC is committed to providing clear communications to the genuine international students impacted by fraud who have been reviewed by the task force.
• IRCC has sent the genuine students who have been issued a temporary resident permit detailed letters to explain the work of the task force and to provide reassurance that they may remain in Canada to study, work and apply for permanent residence if they choose to do so.
• Additional instructions have also been provided so that they may travel to and from Canada as needed.
• We are committed to ensuring that these international students remain on equal footing to all other international students as they progress through their desired immigration pathway in Canada.

Supplementary Information

• Genuine students have been authorized three-year temporary resident permits, in addition to study and work authorizations to allow them to remain in Canada.
• For individuals who have been reviewed and assessed to be a non-genuine student, their case will be returned to the CBSA to proceed with the removal process. The CBSA will inform the clients of the decision of the task force.