Thematic sessions
-Integrity of Canada’s immigration system

May 2, 2023 – This session explored the risks and pressures to the integrity of our immigration system, and the necessary solutions to respond to integrity issues in the future.

One of the sub-topics that arose was international students, with some sharing that universities and colleges are centres of support and are critical for settlement and integration. Participants outlined how the student program is beneficial to Canada (for example, population growth, skills); however it was noted that the program is also experiencing some integrity challenges, including cases of fraud and concerns that some international students are being exploited. They also noted that fast visa processing attracts high calibre students who have options in other countries, and that post-secondary institutions would like to see work expedited on a trusted institutions framework.

Other themes included concern over unauthorized or “ghost“ consultants, concern about fraudulent activity related to support from bad actors in accessing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) and language testing, and challenges faced by clients due to complex pathways. The issue of misinformation and disinformation was also raised in the context of the vast amount of information in the public domain, but because it is not always accurate information, it can also become a program integrity issue.