Thousands of Indian students who pursued diploma programs in Canada are now grappling with a significant crisis: the rejection of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications. Many had invested substantial family savings into their education, expecting the permit to allow them to gain crucial Canadian work experience after graduation.
The affected students primarily attended a business management diploma program offered through Portage College and the Canadian Institute of Osteopathic Therapy in Calgary. These graduates claim that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) altered eligibility rules, making non-credit programs ineligible for PGWPs, after they had already applied. However, IRCC has denied that any such rule change occurred, adding to the confusion and distress among the student community.
Financial Hardship and Emotional Toll
For many, the financial implications of these rejections are severe. Tuition fees for the two-year program reportedly cost around CAD 32,000, excluding living expenses. Students often borrowed money or relied on their families' life savings, anticipating the PGWP as a pathway to building a future in Canada.
"My father spent his whole lifetime saving for me," Jaspinder Kaur told CTV News. "After completing my two years of study, I thought I would be able to work and gain some Canadian experience."
Mukul Rana highlighted the broader impact, stating that students facing refusals are now struggling financially and mentally. "This is a betrayal of thousands of international students; it is not just administrative, it is a human crisis," Rana emphasized.
Protests and Legal Challenges Emerge
The widespread rejections have sparked ongoing protests in Calgary, with students demanding clarity and resolution from authorities. Reports from RED FM Calgary on X indicate that hundreds of international students continue to demonstrate against the mass PGWP refusals.
Calgary immigration lawyer Laura-Anne Goulding of Shory Law confirmed that her office has been contacted by dozens of affected students and is actively handling cases involving approximately 200 individuals. The situation is further complicated by reports that some students from the same institution were granted work permits while others were refused, raising questions about consistency in application processing.
Understanding the Post-Graduation Work Permit
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit issued by the Canadian government. It allows eligible international students to work in Canada after completing a qualifying program at a designated learning institution. Eligibility depends on both the institution attended and the specific program completed.
The PGWP is considered a vital step for many international students aspiring to settle in Canada, as it enables them to gain Canadian work experience, which is often a prerequisite for various permanent residency pathways. While a PGWP cannot be renewed, its importance in the immigration journey makes its denial a devastating setback for these students.