The Canadian government does not track whether international students leave the country after their study permits expire, according to a new audit that has raised concerns about gaps in immigration oversight.
The report, released by Auditor General Karen Hogan, examined compliance within the international student programme and found significant weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement.
Key findings from the audit
The audit revealed that while authorities have reduced the number of study permits issued, they have not strengthened systems needed to ensure compliance.
- About 150,000 students were flagged for potential non-compliance in 2023–2024
- Only 4,000 cases could be investigated due to limited capacity
- Around 800 permits (2018–2023) involved fraud or misrepresentation
- No enforcement action was taken in those cases
- About 92% of those individuals remain in immigration processes
The report also highlighted a major data gap:
Of 39,500 individuals whose visas expired in 2024, only about 40% could be confirmed to have left the country, based on records from the Canada Border Services Agency.
Growing Nigerian student presence
Canada has increasingly become a top destination for Nigerians seeking education and migration opportunities.
- 37,630 study permits issued to Nigerians in 2023 (up 133%)
- Over 58,000 Nigerian students enrolled by 2024
- Nigeria ranks as the fourth-largest source of international students
Policy tightening underway
In response to mounting pressure, Canada has begun tightening its immigration system through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reforms.
Key changes include:
- Shorter study permits for preparatory courses (only 90 extra days, down from 12 months)
- Stricter alignment of student visas with labour market needs
- Introduction of five priority talent categories under the 2026 Express Entry system
Bigger picture
Despite these reforms, the audit underscores a fundamental issue:
Canada lacks a reliable system to track whether international students comply with visa conditions or exit the country when required.
At the same time, the country plans to admit about 380,000 immigrants annually under its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan—making effective monitoring even more critical.
Bottom line
The findings highlight a growing tension in Canada’s immigration strategy—balancing its need for international talent with the need for stronger compliance, enforcement, and system integrity.
