Nigerian students among those with highest absentee rates in Canada’s 2024 study permit program

According to data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 6.9% of all international students were reported as non-compliant, and Nigeria had one of the highest non-compliance rates at 10.7%.

The recent IRCC reports highlight that out of 30,920 Nigerian students with study permits, 3,902 were reported as non-compliant, and another 1,675 had their status unreported.

This marks a concerning trend for Canada’s international student program, which is increasingly dependent on foreign students as a key source of revenue and global prestige.

Among the countries of origin, Nigeria has one of the highest non-compliance rates. Of the 30,920 Nigerian students who were issued study permits, 3,902 were found to be non-compliant, and another 1,675 students had their status unreported.

According to Immigration News Canada (INC), there are several potential reasons for the high number of non-compliant students.

Additionally, the role of unregulated foreign agents and consultants has raised concerns. “Exploitation by fraudulent agents is a key issue,” said Winnipeg immigration lawyer David Matas. These agents often help students obtain study permits without the intention of attending school.

In response to the growing issue of non-compliance, Immigration Minister Marc Miller introduced stricter regulations in November 2023. These include the possibility of suspending the operations of colleges and universities that fail to comply with student reporting requirements.

IRCC has also implemented enhanced monitoring measures to track non-compliant students and ensure institutions meet reporting obligations. “Canada is aware of increased exploitation of temporary resident visas, including student permits,” said Renée LeBlanc Proctor, a spokesperson for Minister Miller.

Experts are calling for further reforms to address the non-compliance issue. Henry Lotin advocates for mandatory upfront tuition fee payments from international students to discourage misuse of study permits.

Stricter policies, better monitoring, and improved collaboration between government agencies and educational institutions will be essential in addressing the issue of non-compliance. With international students contributing billions to Canada’s economy, maintaining the system’s integrity is vital for the country’s ongoing success as an educational destination.