Canada won't deport students for absences

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- An internal government review of the Canadian student-visa system says foreign students won't be deported even if they don't attend their classes.

The Vancouver Sun said Thursday that the government review found that the current system was rife with problems, including that foreigners can obtain student visas by only showing an interest in a Canadian education.

"There is no requirement for (foreign) students to actually attend classes despite the fact they are in Canada to study," the review said.

"Students must only show the 'intent' to study in Canada."

The internal report said by initiating more lax student visa standards in 2002, Canada has made it simpler for some individuals to reside in the country under the guise of education.

"While these changes have made the program more attractive to genuine students, it also has opened up the opportunity for non-genuine students to use the study permit as a means to secure work in Canada," the review said.

"It has also opened up an avenue for individuals who are seeking general entry into Canada for an extended period of time to do so under the guise of being a student."