Updated: August 25, 2026

The Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit, also known as PTIRU, has temporarily suspended the designation certificate of Cornerstone International Community College of Canada.

According to the official enforcement information, the suspension took effect on August 14, 2026, and currently has an end date of September 14, 2026. The action applies to Cornerstone’s four listed locations in Vancouver and Surrey.

Suspension Details

The suspension applies to the following locations:

1. Main and 2nd Floor, 609 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

2. 543 Seymour Street, Vancouver

3. 3rd Floor, 978 Granville Street, Vancouver

4. Unit 205, 10114 King George Boulevard, Surrey

Students should continue checking the official Private Training Institution Directory because the status and end date may be updated.

Why Was Cornerstone College Suspended?

The enforcement notice states that Cornerstone contravened section 41(6)(b) of the Private Training Regulation by failing to ensure that work experience activities were directly related to the learning objectives of the applicable programs.

Under the Private Training Regulation, an institution must ensure that activities completed during a work experience component are directly connected to the learning objectives of the student’s program or meet the requirements of the applicable regulator.

This requirement helps ensure that practicums, cooperative placements and other work experience components provide students with relevant practical training.

What Does the Suspension Mean?

A suspension is a regulatory enforcement action. It is not necessarily the same as permanent closure or cancellation of the institution’s certificate.

According to PTIRU, while an institution’s certificate is suspended, the institution must not:

1. Advertise to new students

2. Enter into new student enrolment contracts

3. Enrol new students at a location covered by the suspension

However, PTIRU states that students who were already enrolled may continue their studies during the suspension.

The published end date is September 14, 2026. Students should not assume that the suspension will automatically be removed on that date. They should verify the institution’s status through the official provincial directory.

What Should Current Cornerstone Students Do?

Current students should remain calm and avoid withdrawing or changing institutions without first understanding how the decision may affect their academic and immigration circumstances.

Students should take the following steps:

1. Request Written Confirmation From the College

Ask Cornerstone to confirm in writing:

1. Whether classes will continue as scheduled

2. Whether your campus and program are affected

3. Whether your practicum or work placement will continue

4. Whether your program completion date will change

5. What corrective action is being taken regarding work experience placements

2. Keep Copies of Important Records

Students should retain copies of their:

1. Letter of acceptance

2. Student enrolment contract

3. Tuition payment receipts

4. Official and unofficial transcripts

5. Attendance records

6. Practicum or work placement agreements

7. Emails and notices received from the college

8. Study permit and co-op work permit, if applicable

These documents may be important for future study permit, school transfer, refund or academic matters.

3. Review Your Work Experience Placement

Students completing a practicum, co-op placement or another work experience component should request confirmation that their assigned duties are directly related to the learning objectives of their program.

4. Continue Meeting Study Permit Conditions

International students generally must remain enrolled at a designated learning institution and actively pursue their studies. Students should continue attending classes and completing academic requirements unless they receive different written instructions from the institution or the appropriate regulatory authority. The current requirements are explained on the official IRCC study permit conditions page.

As of August 25, 2026, Cornerstone International Community College of Canada continues to appear on IRCC’s Designated Learning Institutions list under DLI number O19274576342. However, the provincial certification status and the federal DLI status are separate matters and may change independently.

Students should verify both official sources before making any decision.

What Should Prospective Students Do?

During the suspension period, prospective students should not enter into a new enrolment contract or make a tuition payment for a new enrolment at an affected location.

Before proceeding, students should confirm:

1. Whether the suspension has officially been lifted

2. Whether the specific campus and program are approved

3. Whether the college is permitted to issue a new enrolment contract and letter of acceptance

4. Whether the institution remains listed as a DLI

5. Whether the program meets their long term immigration and career objectives

6. Whether the program is eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit, if this is part of their plan

Being listed as a DLI does not automatically mean that every program is eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit.

Should Current Students Change Colleges?

Students should not change colleges only because they have heard about the suspension. PTIRU confirms that current students may continue their studies during a certificate suspension.

A transfer may still be appropriate in some cases, particularly if classes or work placements are interrupted, the program cannot be completed as scheduled, or the student’s immigration status may be affected.

Since November 8, 2024, most postsecondary students who want to change their DLI must apply for a new study permit by submitting a study permit extension application. Students should review the official IRCC instructions for changing schools before transferring.

Every case is different. A student’s permit expiry date, current enrolment, program progress, work placement and future plans should be reviewed before any decision is made.

How NewSteps Immigration Can Help

NewSteps Immigration Solutions Inc. can help affected students review their current enrolment, study permit conditions and available study options.

We can assist with:

1. Reviewing the student’s current immigration status

2. Assessing whether continuing at Cornerstone is appropriate

3. Exploring alternative colleges and programs

4. Preparing a study permit extension for a change of institution

5. Reviewing supporting documents and maintaining legal status in Canada

For personalized assistance, call NewSteps Immigration Solutions Inc. at +1-604-595-2415 or book a consultation online.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulatory and immigration information can change. Students should verify the latest information through PTIRU, IRCC or an authorized Canadian immigration representative before taking action.