Common Deportation Reasons and Factors for International Students
Canada is well-known for its friendliness and inclusivity towards international students. Compared to other Western countries, Canada offers top-tier education at relatively lower tuition costs. Over the past 20 years, Canada’s immigration policy has shifted from focusing on economic capital to prioritizing the labour market. This change has allowed international students to work on-campus and off-campus, with no restrictions on work hours during holidays. Additionally, programs like the Territorial & Provincial Nomination Program and the Express Entry Program make Canada’s student visa a versatile path to immigration. However, this has also led to some misuse of the system, and deportation maybe the worse consequence that no international students would every want to face.
Canada’s legal system is based on common law, and the government operates on principles of honesty, trust, and tolerance with its citizens. Unless there are major incidents causing public unrest, the government doesn’t frequently check residents’ behaviours. The same standards apply to international students, whose actions in Canada must align with the intentions stated in their initial visa applications. This is governed by Section 216(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which is the foundation for all student visa approvals. The three core conditions are: 1) a reasonable study purpose, 2) sufficient funds, and 3) a strong intent to leave after graduation. Most students who end up being deported have seriously violated one of these conditions, making it impossible for even the most lenient border or immigration officers to overlook.
Here are some common reasons for deportation, which may occur to international students:
- Overstaying illegally
- Illegal employment
- Significant issues with academic records
- Serious criminal offences
International Students - Overstaying Illegally
- Failing to submit an extension application within 30 days before the current visa expires.
- Failing to apply for restoration and maintain temporary resident status or leave the country within 90 days after the visa expires.
- Failing to reapply for an extension, change status, or leave the country within 30 days after a previous application was rejected.
Triggers for Deportation Checks:
- Notification by judicial authorities following a major incident.
- Background check during student visa renewal application.
Possible Reasons for Deportation:
- Failure to leave the country after graduation or loss of student status without a valid reason for continued stay.
International Students - Illegal Employment
Common Mistakes:
- Working more hours than legally allowed.
- Engaging in industries explicitly prohibited by the student visa.
- Working without the necessary professional licenses or permits.
Triggers for Deportation Checks:
- Notification by judicial authorities following a major incident.
- Background check during student visa renewal application.
Possible Reasons for Deportation:
- Actions not aligning with the stated purpose of the student visa, indicating potential visa fraud.
International Students - Significant Academic Record Issues
Common Mistakes:
- Poor grades (e.g., GPA below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters).
- Lack of academic progress (e.g., transcript with many “IP” – Incomplete marks).
- Major incidents of cheating leading to expulsion.
- Low attendance (e.g., only studying full-time for one semester in an entire academic year).
Triggers for Deportation Checks:
- Multiple reports from the school over several semesters.
- Inability to provide specific proof during student visa renewal application.
Possible Reasons for Deportation:
- Actions not aligning with the stated purpose of the student visa, indicating potential visa fraud.
International Students - Serious Criminal Offenses
Common Offenses:
- Driving without a license.
- Substance abuse (including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol).
- Participating in gang activities with organized criminal actions.
- Theft.
- Document forgery.
Triggers for Deportation Checks:
- Conviction with a sentence of six months or more.
Possible Reasons for Deportation:
- Actions not aligning with the stated purpose of the student visa, indicating potential visa fraud.
- Endangering the lives or safety of individuals in Canada.
