International students at career colleges and vocational schools in Alberta are expressing frustration over the denial of their post-graduation work permits due to their programs being labeled as non-credit. Graduates from Portage College have staged protests outside affiliated campuses in Calgary and Edmonton, including a hunger strike to raise awareness.
During a recent news conference, Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney were questioned about the protests. Carney, unaware of the situation, emphasized the importance of following proper procedures for international students without authorization to remain in the country.
One student, Lovepreet Singh, attended Campbell College in Edmonton through a partnership with Portage College. Singh completed teacher’s assistant courses as part of a non-credit program but faced a PGWP rejection in June due to course ineligibility under federal guidelines.
Portage College noted that PGWP applications are solely decided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Singh, caught in the midst of changing eligibility requirements, found conflicting information between what was communicated by the college and the updated IRCC regulations.
Despite efforts to seek clarity from the college and IRCC, international graduates like Singh are left uncertain about their future in Canada. Some have resorted to applying for judicial reviews, knowing the process could take up to six months. The termination of partnerships between Portage College and certain institutions further complicates the situation for affected students.
As the students face a 90-day deadline to apply for alternative visas or leave the country, the uncertainty surrounding their post-graduation prospects remains a pressing issue. Singh and his classmates continue to seek solutions as they navigate the complexities of the PGWP program requirements and the evolving landscape of international student regulations.