The International Centre at UTM recently updated its list of services to comply with government regulations for immigration and student support.
The International Centre can no longer provide international students advice regarding their legal status in Canada, their immigration options, or which immigration stream (such as the post-graduation work permit) they should choose. The centre is allowed only to help students find resources for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, such as CIC’s website and phone numbers.
The regulations stem from Bill C-35, “Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act”, previously known as the “Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act”, which took effect on June 30, 2011, according to a CIC press release.
It is an offence for anyone other than an authorized CIC representative to conduct business regarding an application, including during the period before a proceeding begins or an application is submitted, according to the press release.
The International Centre continues to provide information about the University Health Insurance Plan, U of T’s study abroad opportunities, the social insurance number, and the individual tax number, as well as support for cultural transition and skill development for English as a second language, according to their website. The centre also manages the newly launched internationalLIFE peer support program for international students.
