As IRCC emails spark concern among students in Canada, Punjab education consultants weigh in: ‘Might feel like harassment…but they are not’

“The emails serve as formal inquiries, requiring students to respond with evidence to justify their academic and immigration status. Failure to respond promptly or adequately is treated as non-compliance, which can result in the revocation of study permits and potential deportation,” a student who received such a mail but did not wish to be named said. He claimed that several of his friends also received such emails.

According to education consultants, the students receiving these emails typically include those who changed their institution or course without informing the IRCC. Changing DLIs is permitted in Canada but it must be reported to IRCC. Students with poor academic performance – students with low attendance, those who fail their exams, or those who have been rusticated by their colleges – and dropouts are also likely to get such emails, they added.

“In the past, some Canadian education agents exploited the flexibility of changing DLIs. For instance, during the September 2023 intake, approximately 100 students linked to Pinnacle Education changed their DLIs after arriving in Canada. This practice allowed students to avoid daily classes and focus more on work, with some colleges reportedly facilitating such behaviour,” Tirath Singh of Jalandhar-based Pinnacle Education, which facilitates study opportunities in Canada, told The Indian Express.

“However, Canada has now tightened its regulations. It is mandatory to obtain a fresh study permit when changing DLIs. This measure aims to curb the misuse of study permits and ensure that students genuinely prioritise their education,” he added.

“The Canadian government has started auditing DLIs twice a year, closely examining their operations and student records,” said Tirath, adding that this move comes in response to growing concerns about certain colleges admitting international students despite their poor academic performance.

“DLIs are now required to submit detailed reports on their students, including attendance, academic progress, and compliance with study permit conditions. Institutions that fail to comply face serious consequences, including the potential cancellation of their licences,” he added.

Singh explained that students who change their DLIs must now inform IRCC about the change. If a student fails to do so, their previous DLI will notify the government that the student is no longer enrolled with them. While changing DLIs is permitted in Canada, students are now required to obtain a fresh study permit for the new institution.

“We have been receiving a large number of calls and emails from students, including some who went through us but changed their DLIs after arriving in Canada. They are seeking guidance on how to proceed with applying for a new study permit,” said Tirath. “I have already handled two cases where the students’ situations were genuine, and I am hopeful they will receive their new study permits soon.”

Those who are not serious about their studies and have not changed their DLIs are also being asked to explain their education status, Tirath said.

“We are worried as these stricter measures mean heightened pressure to comply with academic and immigration rules. Many of us are now realising that ignorance or deliberate evasion—such as skipping classes or failing to inform IRCC about DLI changes—could jeopardise our future in Canada,” said another student.

“However, we have been advised not to panic. Even if we changed the DLI without informing the government, we should not worry if we are genuinely pursuing our studies at a new institution and maintaining good academic records,” said another student, who went to study in Canada through a Jalandhar-based education consultant.

Some students mistakenly believe they can ignore the communications, unaware that failing to respond is treated as an admission of guilt, Gurpal Singh, a Jalandhar-based consultant, said.

Education and immigration consultants in the state said that students who receive such emails must respond promptly, as there is always a specific timeframe for replying. They should provide all the required documents and explanations within this period, they said, adding that seeking guidance from immigration consultants, legal advisors, or student support services can help ensure they take the correct steps.

“These emails might feel like harassment to students, but they are not,” said Tirath. “The intensified scrutiny reflects Canada’s broader efforts to maintain the integrity of its education system and curb abuses in the study permit process. For students, these measures serve as a wake-up call to prioritise compliance and academic performance. However, for those trying to exploit loopholes, the road ahead may become increasingly challenging,” he added.

The consultants also clarified that applying for a fresh study permit does not mean rejection is inevitable as students with genuine cases have a strong chance of approval.