QUESTION PERIOD — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Immigration Fraud
March 24, 2026
Senator Moreau, yesterday, the Auditor General of Canada published her latest reports, one of which focused on international student program reforms. The Auditor General’s report found that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, identified risks of fraud and non‑compliance in study permit applications, including concerns related to fraudulent documentation and questionable intent. The audit indicates that while many applications were flagged for potential fraud or non-compliance, the department lacked the capacity and consistent processes to fully investigate or act on these cases, limiting its ability to ensure program integrity.
Given these findings, what is the government doing to ensure that IRCC can adequately follow up on suspected fraudulent applications and ensure that flagged cases of study permit fraud and misuse are properly investigated and resolved?
Senator Loffreda, the government welcomes the report of the Auditor General and agrees that strong program integrity is essential to maintaining confidence in Canada’s immigration system. That is why we are currently studying Bill C-12. It is why the government is actively taking steps to strengthen oversight, including the introduction of a letter of acceptance verification system. The government is also now moving to improve follow-up procedures for suspected fraud and non‑compliant cases. It is important to note that the audit only reflects the early phase of the reform launched in 2024, and further measures are already under way through 2027.
Thank you for that answer. The report raises some concerns about weak enforcement when non‑compliance or fraud was suspected, including gaps in monitoring whether students were actually pursuing their studies. What mechanisms will be implemented to ensure that individuals linked to fraudulent applications or study permit violations are identified properly? What appropriate safeguards or consequences will be applied to protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration system?
Improving information sharing and oversight to better identify individuals who are not actively pursuing their studies or who may be linked with fraudulent applications is a key part of this work. It is part of a multi‑pronged approach that includes enhancing verification tools, strengthening collaboration with provinces and designated learning institutions and improving follow-up mechanisms when risks are identified.
