I just want to inform the committee that there has been an enormous increase in the number of foreign students. In 2019, I believe, it was approximately 300,000, and the number is now closer to 900,000. That's a major swing. We've made some significant changes to the study permit system. We now verify letters of offer, since last Friday. We're trying to add more measures to the integrity program.
As for francophone African students, I entirely agree with you that we have to increase approval percentages. One of the obstacles is dual intent, which is addressed by the department's regulations and pushes up the refusal rate.
We also need to consider fraud rates, which are higher in certain regions of the country. However, I entirely agree with you that we need to welcome more francophone African students to Canada.