Maple News reports that over 500 international students recently faced abrupt cancellations of their admission to Northern College in Timmins, Ontario, just weeks before their classes were scheduled to begin. The affected students were left frustrated and financially strained after investing thousands of dollars in preparation to study in Canada.
Northern College President and CEO Audrey Penner stated that the unexpected revocations were due to a significantly higher visa approval rate than anticipated, leading to the campus becoming “oversubscribed.” The college emphasized that it could not uphold its commitments to housing and post-graduate employment support amid the surge in enrollments. “We were not quite prepared to manage that much of an increase in the number,” said Penner. “There’s been much higher demand.”
While such cases are uncommon, they underscore the importance of thoroughly researching institutions before committing to study in Canada. One crucial step, according to Maple News, is confirming that your chosen institution is on the official list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Only students accepted into DLIs are eligible for a Canadian study permit.
Applicants should also investigate whether the institution is part of a public-private partnership. In this instance, many of the affected Northern College students were enrolled in partnership programs run in collaboration with Pures College of Technology in Scarborough. A recent provincial directive now caps international admissions for such partnerships at 7,500 students across all campuses, beginning in Fall 2023. Exceeding capacity can lead to revoked offers, as happened here.
Additionally, students should verify whether their academic program qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is essential for those planning to stay and work in Canada after earning their degree. Enrolling in a non-PGWP eligible program could severely limit your post-study opportunities.
Maple News recommends contacting the institution directly to ask about student support services, housing availability, mental health resources, and living costs. Where possible, speak with alumni to better understand the school’s environment and performance.
When choosing a college or university in Canada, diligent research can help avoid unexpected disruptions, protect your investment, and ensure you’re making a strategic decision for your long-term immigration and career plans.