July 21st, 2024 at 04:51 am

International Students Demand PGWP Extension | 70,000 Students May Be Forced to Leave Canada

A major problem has arisen in recent weeks for international students studying in Canada: about 70,000 holders of Post Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are about to have their permits expire in 2024 and 2025. There have been numerous rallies across the nation as a result of changing immigration laws and the uncertainty surrounding their future.

Students are using strikes, protests, and open demonstrations as a means of expressing their concerns, from British Columbia to Ontario and Prince Edward Island. This unrest reflects the increasing dissatisfaction with the perceived unfairness of the immigration system as well as the difficulties students have in obtaining permanent residence (PR).

This blog explores the motivations behind the demonstrations, the background of PGWP regulations, and the present legislative environment that is influencing Canadian education for overseas students.

International Students Demand PGWP Extension

A major problem involving international students studying in Canada, specifically those with post-graduation work permits (PGWP), has surfaced recently. Many PGWP holders are worried about their future in Canada because their permits are set to expire in 2024 or 2025, affecting nearly 70,000 of them. This article examines the protests going on right now, the historical background, recent changes to the law, and possible remedies for these students.

Including refugees and asylum seekers, there are about 2.8 million temporary residents living in Canada. Approximately 2.4 million of them are foreign students with valid work permits. Protests have erupted around Canada, including British Columbia, Brampton, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island, due to the 70,000 people’s PGWPs about to expire.

These protests are mostly motivated by issues with unjust treatment, alumni exploitation, and challenges in gaining permanent residency (PR).

Historical Context of PGWP Extensions

Set two and a half years ago, PGWP holders could request an extension if their permits were set to expire thanks to a temporary provision created by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This provision greatly benefited many international students by extending work permits by an additional 18 months.

For example, individuals who had a one-year PGWP were given an extra eighteen months, for a total of 2.5 years. Likewise, individuals who had a three-year PGWP were granted an additional 18 months, making their permits 4.5 years long. Numerous people’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ratings improved as a result of this modification, resulting in successful PR applications.

Reasons for Current Protests

There are several causes behind the present protest wave.

1. Unmet Expectations

Based on their CRS scores at the time, many international students came between 2020 and 2022 made plans. Disappointingly, these students now struggle with lower marks as a result of higher PR requirements brought about by changes in immigration legislation.

2. Injustice

Protesters claim that it was possible to extend PGWP in the past and they are asking for the same consideration now. They believe that they should be given a fair opportunity to get permanent residence or an extension of their work permit in recognition of their efforts and educational investment in Canada.

3. Adapted Plans

A large number of students moved to Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia—promising PR Pathways. But subsequent adjustments have hampered their public relations opportunities, which has left many feeling betrayed and frustrated.

4. Social and Economic Repercussions

The larger problems of job market saturation and affordable housing are also brought to light by the protests. Some students believe that their difficulties are being made worse by growing living expenses and fewer work options.

Government Stance and Historical Policies

The PGWP is only available for application once in a lifetime, according to constant claims made by the Canadian government. In response to delays in PR applications, a temporary extension policy was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic; it was not meant to be permanent. The government continues to maintain that there is no legal requirement to extend work permits indefinitely and that international students must adjust to changing rules.

Current Legislative Landscape

The legislative environment around PGWP and PR change is influenced by several things.

Immigration Policies

Immigration laws are regularly changed to meet different social and economic demands. To expedite the PR process, Express Entry was introduced in 2015, with an emphasis on highly skilled applicants. Recent patterns, however, point to a move toward sector-specific requirements and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

To handle the regional labor deficit, provinces are depending more and more on PNPs. Different provinces now have different prospects as a result of this change, with some having simpler PR Pathways than others.

Upcoming Federal Elections

October 2025 is the planned month for Canada’s upcoming federal elections. How the Liberal Party and Coalition, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has handled immigration-related matters has drawn criticism. The current political environment could have an impact on future PGWP and PR policies and choices.

Future Outlook for International Students

• Changing with the times: As policies change, international students need to be flexible. Past patterns suggest that immigration laws will keep changing, which will have an impact on prospects for permanent residence and work permit extensions.
• Emphasis on in-demand professions: Canada is currently concentrating on closing skills gaps in fields including engineering, construction, and healthcare. To increase their chances of receiving PR, students, and prospective immigrants should match these high-demand professions with their abilities and professional ambitions.
• Investigate local needs: Before moving, potential immigrants should look into local opportunities and demands. PR applications and employment opportunities may be impacted by the unique needs and regulations of each province.
• Interaction with legislators: It is imperative to maintain ongoing dialogue with legislators and to advocate for equitable treatment. Public debate and protests have the power to shape policy and draw attention to the problems of international students.

Final Thoughts

The PGWP expiration scenario for 70,000 international students is a complicated and dynamic matter. The demonstrations highlight the difficulties of negotiating Canada’s immigration laws in the face of shifting regulations and financial constraints.

Even while the administration insists that PGWP is a one-time chance, calls for equitable treatment and policy review are becoming louder. Understanding the legislative landscape of in-demand professions and becoming involved in advocacy will be essential as students get ready for the future.

The future of foreign students in Canada will probably depend on the results of the current demonstrations and the next federal elections. For the time being, negotiating the uncertainties of the immigration system still requires being knowledgeable and flexible.