CHANDIGARH: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers reportedly raided an international student protest site in Calgary, where over 1,000 international graduates, mostly Indians, have been demonstrating for a week. The protesters are demanding the right to remain in Canada despite not holding valid visas.
The international students said the Canadian agency checked their immigration status, after the government rejected their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications.
The protesting students have completed programmes that some colleges marketed as eligible for PGWPs, only for Canadian immigration authorities to later determine the programmes did not qualify. As a result, many of these graduates now face the prospect of leaving the country.
The graduates demanded access to work opportunities after finishing academic programs, as they find it difficult to stay legally employed in Canada.
Many students are also observing hunger strikes for nearly ten days now, saying they enrolled in and completed their programmes believing they were eligible for the work permits.
These students are arguing that their applications were submitted in good faith based on earlier interpretations of the rules and should be reassessed.
Earlier, full-time graduated students could qualify for PGWP valid for up to three years, depending on the academic program duration.
However, now due to heightened scrutiny around temporary resident numbers across Canada has increased pressure on post-study work policies. Thus creating uncertainty for foreign students who planned their career paths.
The CBSA enforces immigration laws, investigates violations and carries out removals. In June, an update only clarified existing eligibility rules for non-credit programmes and did not change the core criteria for PGWP eligibility.
This ongoing protest by the students has gained traction, drawing reactions from Canadian immigration authorities and the Alberta provincial government as affected graduates seek legal remedies and administrative reviews.
The Indian students account for a substantial share of international students enrolled in Canadian colleges and universities. Any changes or strict enforcement of post-study work rules disproportionately affects candidates from India seeking work experience there.
The issue is reportedly linked in part to an immigration consultancy based in Jalandhar, Punjab. Families in the state often spend large sums to send their children abroad. The protesting graduates said they paid hefty tuition fees believing their programmes would lead to job opportunities after graduation.
A few days back, the Punjab BJP leadership urged India’s Ministry of External Affairs to take up the issue with the Canadian government. The students also met Canadian Member of Parliament of Indian origin Sukh Dhaliwal in Surrey to discuss the issue. They presented their concerns, and shared relevant documentation. According to the students, Dhaliwal had listened attentively, carefully reviewed the details, and assured them of his support.
