More than 47,000 international students in Canada may have breached the terms of their student visas. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed that these individuals, representing about 8% of all foreign students in the country, are currently considered “potentially non-compliant.”
Aiesha Zafar, Assistant Deputy Minister for Migration Integrity at IRCC, confirmed the findings during a parliamentary hearing. According to Zafar, 47,175 students entered Canada on study permits but may no longer meet the requirements of their visas. The primary concern is that many are not actively enrolled or attending classes as required.
“Eight percent of the students that we asked for compliance information from were potentially non-compliant,” Zafar said. “We have not yet determined whether or not they are fully non-compliant. These are initial results that the institutions provide to us.”
This revelation adds to Canada’s ongoing struggle to manage its international student program, which has expanded rapidly in recent years.
IRCC and Parliament Clash Over Tracking Non-Compliant Students
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner challenged IRCC officials on their ability to track and remove foreign students who breach visa terms. She questioned whether IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have sufficient oversight and enforcement mechanisms in place.
Garner also issued a motion to summon Dr. John Tibbetts, President of Conestoga College, to testify before the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. The committee is studying the international student program and the growing reports of exploitation, overcrowding, and housing shortages linked to private colleges.
“Conestoga College has had numerous reports about the abuse of foreign students,” said Garner. “Under his leadership, the college has expanded profit but forced students out into food banks and created a massive housing crisis in the region.”
Institutions Report Losing Track of Thousands of Students
The IRCC’s 8% non-compliance figure is based on reports from designated learning institutions (DLIs). These schools are legally required to confirm that international students remain enrolled and are actively pursuing their studies.
Zafar stated that many institutions have “lost track” of their international students. This means schools cannot verify whether these students are attending classes, working legally, or even residing at their registered addresses.
While the IRCC collects data from institutions, enforcement falls to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). “Any foreign national in Canada would be under the purview of the CBSA,” Zafar said. “They have an inland investigation team, and we share data with them.”
However, Zafar acknowledged the practical challenge of locating these individuals once they go off the radar. Without updated information from schools or local agencies, identifying visa breach cases becomes nearly impossible.
Breakdown of the Visa Breach Cases
The potential non-compliance spans across Canada’s major education hubs—Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. Many of the affected students are enrolled in private career colleges and smaller institutions that have grown dependent on international tuition fees.
| Province | Estimated Non-Compliant Students | Key Issue Reported |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 26,000+ | Private colleges losing track of students |
| British Columbia | 9,500 | Over-enrollment and housing shortage |
| Alberta | 6,000 | Dropouts and unauthorized work |
| Quebec | 5,000 | Fraudulent admission records |
Canada’s Crackdown on Temporary Residents
This wave of potential visa breaches aligns with the government’s plan to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population. Under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC aims to bring temporary residents down to below 5% of the national population.
The plan affects both international students and temporary foreign workers, with stricter verification processes and lower admission targets.
According to IRCC data, total arrivals including students and foreign workers, fell by about 57% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The number of new international students dropped by 214,520, representing a 70% decline. Foreign work permits also decreased by 50%.
The government attributes the slowdown to tighter visa screening, limited housing capacity, and new verification requirements for designated learning institutions.
Visa Breach Enforcement: The CBSA’s Growing Workload
The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for investigating and removing non-compliant visa holders. However, the agency is already stretched thin.
Tracking down over 47,000 individuals suspected of visa breach will require cross-agency coordination, data sharing, and increased funding. Many experts question whether CBSA can manage such a large caseload without additional resources.
Border enforcement officers often rely on tips, institutional reports, or data discrepancies to identify violators. Still, the process of confirming a visa breach and initiating removal proceedings can take months.
IRCC continues to refine its compliance framework through better data integration and communication between institutions and enforcement agencies.
Long-Term Impact on Canada’s International Education System
Canada’s international student program is one of the country’s most valuable immigration pathways. It feeds directly into the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and the Express Entry system, allowing foreign graduates to transition into permanent residency.
However, repeated cases of visa breach threaten the credibility of this pathway. Institutions that fail to maintain accurate student records risk losing their DLI status, which would prevent them from enrolling new international students.
This could also affect Canada’s reputation as a destination for quality education and post-study opportunities.
Immigration experts warn that if Canada does not restore control over its visa compliance system, it could face international scrutiny and reduced trust from foreign governments.
How Students Can Avoid a Visa Breach
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasizes that international students must understand the conditions attached to their study permits. Compliance is not optional — it determines whether a student can remain in Canada legally, work part-time, or qualify for future immigration programs such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Below are practical, detailed steps every foreign student should follow to avoid a visa breach and maintain good standing with IRCC.
1. Stay Enrolled Full-Time
Every study permit holder must remain enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI). Dropping courses without authorization can lead to non-compliance.
Students should:
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Register for the required number of credits each semester.
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Avoid taking long breaks or deferring terms without notifying IRCC.
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Speak with an academic advisor before making schedule changes.
If you must study part-time temporarily for medical or personal reasons, submit supporting documentation and update your DLI and IRCC.
2. Keep Contact Information Updated
IRCC and schools use the information on file to verify your active enrollment and residency status. Students who move or change contact details without notifying their school or IRCC may be marked as “lost contact,” which can trigger a visa breach review.
Always:
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Update your address, phone number, and email within 10 days of moving.
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Verify that your DLI’s online student portal reflects your correct information.
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Notify IRCC directly using your online account at Canada.ca.
3. Work Legally Within the Study Permit Limits
International students can work part-time during studies and full-time during scheduled breaks—but only under approved conditions.
Violating work restrictions, such as working more than 20 hours per week during classes, is a serious visa breach that can lead to removal from Canada.
Before accepting any job:
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Review your study permit conditions.
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Ensure your school remains a DLI with an active student record.
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Confirm your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is valid.
Check current regulations directly from IRCC’s official page on Working while studying.
4. Renew Your Study Permit on Time
A study permit is not permanent. Students must apply for renewal before the current permit expires. IRCC recommends submitting renewal applications at least 30 days before expiration.
Failure to renew in time can place you out of status, which is automatically recorded as a visa breach.
To prevent this:
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Track your permit expiry date using your IRCC online account.
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Prepare updated transcripts, enrollment letters, and proof of funds early.
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Keep digital copies of all submitted documents.
If your study permit expires while your renewal is still being processed, you may continue studying under maintained status, provided you applied before the expiry date.5. Keep Documentation and Proof of Enrollment
IRCC and CBSA may request proof of compliance at any time. Maintaining proper records helps you demonstrate that you are studying legally.
Keep the following documents updated and safely stored:
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Tuition payment receipts
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Class attendance records
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Academic transcripts
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Enrollment verification letters from your institution
Students should also store copies of any correspondence with IRCC and their school’s international office. Consistent documentation makes it easier to respond if IRCC requests proof of study.
6. Avoid Fraudulent or Unrecognized Institutions
Studying at a non-designated institution can lead to automatic non-compliance. Always confirm that your school appears on IRCC’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) list before enrolling.
Students at schools that lose DLI status during their studies must transfer to another approved institution immediately to maintain compliance.
Check the current DLI list at Canada.ca/DLI-list.
7. Communicate with Your DLI’s International Office
The international student office is your first line of defense against compliance issues. They can help verify your enrollment, update your status, and assist with IRCC communications.
If you plan to change programs, defer admission, or withdraw temporarily, consult them before making any move.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to follow these rules can lead to serious consequences:
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Loss of study permit status
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Deportation orders
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Ineligibility for future study or work permits
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Permanent record of visa breach in IRCC’s database
Non-compliance may also affect your eligibility for permanent residency under the Express Entry or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs.
Maple Crest Immigration Law: Protecting Your Status in Canada
Students facing compliance issues or immigration uncertainty should seek legal advice immediately. Maple Crest Immigration Law provides expert representation for study permit renewals, restoration of status, and appeals for students at risk of visa breach.
Our experienced immigration attorneys can help you understand your legal rights, communicate with IRCC, and protect your future in Canada.
Visit Maple Crest Immigration Law to schedule a consultation today.
