Explore the efficacy of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) new LOA verification system introduced in December 2023. This system aims to protect international students from fraud and streamline the study permit process in Canada.
The New Verification Process
The new system mandates that all Canadian designated
learning institutions (DLIs) manually confirm each LOA they issue within 10
calendar days via IRCC’s online portal. LOAs are essential documents that
international students must submit when applying for a student visa in Canada.
Objectives of the LOA Verification System
IRCC’s verification system is designed to:
· Ensure students are not wasting time, money, and
resources on invalid LOAs.
· Return and cancel visa applications if a DLI fails to
validate the LOA within the specified timeframe or if the LOA is deemed invalid
or fake.
Early Success of the Verification System
According to data published by IRCC on April 29, the
system has identified nearly 9,000 invalid or cancelled LOAs within the first
four months of its implementation (December 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024). This
action has theoretically saved thousands of students from the pitfalls of
pursuing study permits based on invalid documents.
Positively, almost 142,000 LOAs have been validated as
legitimate during the same period. IRCC confirms that these were authenticated
directly with DLIs across Canada, showcasing the system’s effectiveness in
maintaining program integrity.
The Road Ahead
While there is no long-term data or projections
available, IRCC considers the initial implementation of the LOA verification
system a success. The department continues to monitor and refine the process to
ensure the continued protection of international students.
Other Ways to Stay Safe as an International Student
Despite the success of IRCC’s new system,
international students should remain vigilant against fraudulent actors in the
immigration space. Students should:
· Be cautious of individuals or agencies making
guarantees of success or promises of expedited processing.
· Verify the legitimacy of immigration consultants and
services.
By staying informed and cautious, international
students can protect themselves from fraud and ensure a safer, more secure
journey toward their educational goals in Canada.
