Nigerian ranks 3rd among ‘No-Shows’ in Canada of over 50,000 International Students Reported

The Growing Challenge of International Student Compliance in Canada

A recent report from Immigration News Canada has revealed a troubling trend among international students pursuing higher education in Canada. Nearly 50,000 students failed to report to their designated institutions after being granted study permits in 2024. This staggering figure accounts for 6.9% of all foreign students tracked by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), highlighting growing concerns about compliance with study permit regulations.

Nigerian Students Among Top Non-Compliant Groups

The data showed that Nigerian students rank third in terms of non-compliance rates among international learners, following students from India and China. Out of 36,497 Nigerian students tracked, 30,920 were compliant, 3,902 were non-compliant, and 1,675 were not reported. This translates to an 84.7% compliance rate and a concerning 10.7% non-compliance rate.

These figures are a wake-up call for Nigerian students and policymakers to reassess strategies for international education engagement and compliance.

Canada’s Compliance System Under Scrutiny

Since the introduction of the International Student Compliance Regime in 2014, Canadian institutions have been required to submit biannual reports to IRCC. These reports confirm whether students are actively enrolled and attending classes.

However, the spring 2024 compliance reports raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the system, particularly for students from high-volume countries such as India, China, and Nigeria.

• India: 327,646 compliant students, 19,582 non-compliant, 12,553 not reported
• China: 62,519 compliant students, 4,279 non-compliant
• Nigeria: 30,920 compliant students, 3,902 non-compliant

This trend has ignited debates on the responsibility of students, educational institutions, and immigration authorities in ensuring compliance with study permits.

What Does This Mean for Nigerian Students?

For Nigerian students aspiring to study in Canada, these developments highlight the importance of adhering strictly to study permit conditions. Failure to comply not only jeopardizes individual opportunities but also tarnishes the reputation of Nigerian students in global academic circles.

As a prospective international student, here’s what you should do:

1. Understand Your Responsibilities: Familiarize yourself with Canadian study permit regulations.
2. Maintain Active Enrollment: Ensure you are actively attending classes and fulfilling your academic obligations.
3. Stay Updated on Immigration Policies: Regularly check updates from IRCC and your institution.

Why International Student Compliance Matters

Compliance with study permit regulations is crucial for sustaining the trust and credibility of international students in host countries. Non-compliance can lead to:

• Deportation or visa cancellation
• Stricter policies for students from non-compliant countries
• Damaged bilateral relations and reduced opportunities for future students

By fostering a culture of accountability and adherence to immigration laws, students can help improve their individual prospects and ensure better opportunities for others in the future.

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