When the government decided to end the 18-month extension of post-graduate work permits (PGWP), hundreds of Indian students in Canada protested. With some students’ work permits already expiring and others approaching expiration by the end of the year, the regulation change has left many students in a precarious situation.
Since their start in late August in Brampton, Ontario, the protests have expanded to Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and other provinces. PGWPs and equitable routes to permanent residency are being demanded by students. Former foreign student stressed that the demonstrations go beyond the policy change and highlight the need for a more all-encompassing approach to immigration.
Citing concerns about inflation and the housing crisis, the Canadian government imposed a cap on the number of international students admitted in January. In September, the cap was further tightened. Students whose PGWPs expire after December 31, 2023, would not be eligible for extensions, the government said in December 2023.
Mehakdeep Singh and other students are particularly affected because their PGWP expires in three months. Singh had anticipated being granted permanent residency (PR) by April 2024, but his plans have been derailed by delays. He emphasized the difficulties brought on by Canada’s shifting policy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The protests have garnered attention, with community advocates like Jaspreet Singh meeting with Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller. However, the response has been less than encouraging.
As a result of lower staffing at their respective high commissions, diplomatic tensions between Canada and India are also growing. Visa processing delays could impact Indian applicants, experts warn. Students are still protesting as the situation grows, calling for comprehensive and equitable immigration laws. The result will have a big effect on foreign students’ futures in Canada.
