Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser announced today that he will grant temporary resident permits (TRPs) to international students who were not involved in the recent fraud involving fake offer letters.
The announcement comes after a number of international students were facing deportation after it was revealed that they had been admitted to Canadian universities using fraudulent documentation. Fraser said that he will use his discretionary authority under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) to grant TRPs to students who can demonstrate that they were not aware of the fraud and that they have a legitimate reason to remain in Canada.
“I want to make it clear that international students who are not found to be involved in fraud will not face deportation,” Fraser said in a statement. “The IRPA offers me discretionary authority which I believe should be exercised in the present context.”
Fraser said that the TRPs will allow students to stay in Canada while their cases are being reviewed. He also said that he is working with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to ensure that students who are granted TRPs are not detained or removed from Canada.
The announcement has been welcomed by many international students and advocates who have been working to help students who were affected by the fraud. “This is a huge relief for many students who were facing deportation,” said Aarti Mann, a lawyer who has been representing international students affected by the fraud. “It is important that Minister Fraser is using his discretion to help these students.”
The fraud involved a number of immigration consultants who used fake offer letters to help international students obtain study permits. The fraud was uncovered by the CBSA in March 2023. Since then, the CBSA has arrested and charged a number of people involved in the fraud.
The fraud has had a significant impact on international students in Canada. Many students have been forced to leave Canada or have had their studies disrupted. The announcement by Minister Fraser is a step towards helping these students get back on track.
What does this mean for international students?
If you are an international student who was affected by the fraud involving fake offer letters, you may be eligible for a TRP. To apply for a TRP, you will need to provide evidence that you were not involved in the fraud and that you have a legitimate reason to remain in Canada. You can apply for a TRP online or by mail.
If you are granted a TRP, you will be able to stay in Canada while your case is being reviewed. You will also be able to work and study in Canada.