Without these changes, protesters warn, Canada risks losing a significant portion of its skilled workforce and the trust of future international students.
Toronto, August 27, 2024 – As the new school year approaches, thousands of international students in Canada are grappling with an uncertain future, sparking nationwide protests. Over 70,000 international student graduates are at risk of deportation due to recent federal policy changes, leaving many in limbo as their work permits near expiration.
The Canadian government’s recent changes to immigration policies, which include limiting study permits, have had a devastating impact on these students. Many who had planned to apply for permanent residency after completing their studies now find themselves burdened with heavy loans and shattered dreams.
Student advocacy groups, including the Naujawan Support Network, have raised alarms, warning that these graduates are facing imminent deportation when their work permits expire at the end of the year.
Protests have erupted across the country, with students voicing their concerns and frustrations.
In Prince Edward Island, a group of students has been staging a protest outside the legislative assembly for more than three months, camping overnight in a desperate bid to bring attention to their plight. The students say new provincial policies, including a 25 percent reduction in permanent residency nominations, have left many unexpectedly vulnerable.
Similar protests have been reported in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia. In Brampton, hundreds of international students and immigrant workers have rallied against what they describe as unfair treatment and systemic exploitation.
“For the past six years, I studied, I worked, I paid taxes, I earned enough CRS [Comprehensive Ranking System] points, but the government has just taken advantage of us,” said Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student. Singh, like many others, spent his family’s life savings on tuition, only to find himself with no clear path to permanent residency as his work permit expiration looms.
Immigration consultants, such as Kanwar Sierah, have noted the growing inconsistency in the immigration process, with CEC [Canadian Experience Class] draws becoming less frequent and causing significant backlogs. This has added to the stress and uncertainty for international students who once had clear expectations of obtaining permanent residency.
Advocacy groups, including the International Sikh Student Organization, argue that international students contribute significantly to the Canadian economy and deserve fair treatment.
They are calling on the federal government to extend post-graduate work permits and provide consistent, transparent pathways to permanent residency.
Without these changes, protesters warn, Canada risks losing a significant portion of its skilled workforce and the trust of future international students.
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