Canada is currently witnessing widespread protests as over 70,000 international student graduates face the threat of deportation due to recent changes in federal immigration policies. These students, who had arrived in Canada with hopes of building a prosperous future, are now deeply concerned about their prospects, leading to nationwide demonstrations.
The changes, announced by the Justin Trudeau government, have particularly impacted Indian students, who represent the largest group among international students in Canada. Protests have erupted in provinces across the country, including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia. In Prince Edward Island, students have been protesting outside the legislative assembly for over three months, expressing their frustration with the new immigration rules.
Student advocacy groups, such as the Naujawan Support Network, have raised alarms that many graduates could face deportation as their work permits are set to expire by the end of the year. The situation has been exacerbated by provincial policies that have introduced a 25% reduction in permanent residency nominations, leaving many students without a clear path to remaining in Canada.
Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student, shared his distress with City News Toronto, saying, “I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but the government has taken advantage of us.” Singh, who invested his family’s life savings in tuition, now faces an uncertain future with no guarantee of permanent residency.
The influx of international students, who made up 37% of study visa holders in 2023, has placed significant pressure on Canada’s housing, healthcare, and other services. In response, the Canadian government has imposed a cap on international student permit applications, expected to result in around 360,000 approved study permits in 2024, a 35% reduction from the previous year.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has also announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, a move targeting “flagpoling.” The PGWP is vital for international students seeking employment and permanent residency in Canada.
Indian students, in particular, feel unfairly targeted by these changes. In Brampton, frustrations have led to further protests, with hundreds rallying against the narrative that blames them for local housing and job crises. Advocacy groups argue that these issues are rooted in broader policy failures rather than the presence of international students.
The ongoing protests highlight the growing desperation among international students who feel exploited by the government. Having invested heavily in their education and contributed to the Canadian economy, they now face the prospect of completing their studies only to be sent back home with substantial debt. The students are calling on the government to extend post-graduate work permits, establish clear pathways to permanent residency, and address systemic issues that have led to their current predicament.
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