An audit conducted by Auditor General Karen Hogan, released on March 23, 2026, has unveiled alarming gaps in Canada's immigration practices concerning international students. The report shows that 150,000 cases of foreign students with potentially lapsed visas were identified, yet the IRCC initiated investigations into only about 4,000 of these cases.

The audit stresses that many students fail to comply with their study permit conditions, primarily due to failure to attend the educational institutions that accepted them. The limited follow-up has led to substantial oversight issues within the program. Key Findings

Limited Investigations: Of the 150,000 flagged cases, only 4,057 investigations were carried out due to insufficient resources within IRCC. Inconclusive Outcomes: A significant number of cases remained unresolved, with approximately 41% of the investigations yielding no responses from the students. Compliance Measures: The audit's findings stress the urgent need for better compliance and tracking mechanisms to monitor foreign students effectively.

As Canada continues to welcome international students, these shortcomings raise significant concerns regarding national security and the integrity of the immigration system. The audit calls for immediate reforms in the oversight process to ensure that foreign students adhere to their visa conditions and that Canadian immigration policies are upheld.