International students in Alberta are raising concerns over the denial of their post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) due to their enrollment in non-credit programs at certain career colleges and vocational schools. Graduates from Portage College have been staging protests outside affiliated campuses in Calgary and Edmonton, with some resorting to a hunger strike to highlight the issue.
Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney were questioned about the protests, emphasizing the need for affected graduates to adhere to the proper immigration procedures. Lovepreet Singh, a student at Campbell College in Edmonton, revealed that he completed non-credit teacher’s assistant courses before applying for a PGWP, which was subsequently denied in June.
Portage College acknowledged the permit denials and clarified that PGWP decisions are solely made by the IRCC. Despite assurances from the college, Singh and his classmates remain in limbo, as the eligibility criteria for the permits have seemingly evolved, leaving some students ineligible for approval.
Recent updates to IRCC regulations have impacted graduates of public-private partnership programs, like those offered through Portage College, leading to confusion and uncertainty among international students. Singh and his peers have sought clarification from both the college and IRCC, but a resolution has yet to be provided, leaving them with limited options moving forward.
As the affected students face the prospect of having to leave Canada or apply for alternative visas, the situation underscores the challenges international graduates encounter in navigating the intricacies of post-graduation work permits. Despite efforts to seek redress through judicial review, the process could prolong the uncertainty for these individuals who have invested years in their education in Alberta.
