GI-2024-26-reg1: Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Designated Learning Institutions)

Between 1,700 and 2,000 post-secondary DLIs across Canada — including private colleges, universities, and language schools — are directly affected. Schools must now confirm student acceptances within 10 days of an IRCC request and submit biannual enrollment reports within 60 days, or risk being placed on a public suspension list that blocks new international student applications for up to 12 months. The RIAS estimates total compliance costs to DLIs at roughly $12 million (present value over 10 years), with the average small private institution facing about $6,944 in total costs (roughly $989 per year) — mainly staff time for report preparation (estimated at 37.5 hours per report) and letter-of-acceptance verification through an online portal. Schools that ignore the rules face the most serious consequence: a complete freeze on new international student enrollments, which could devastate revenue for institutions heavily dependent on international tuition.