Tens of thousands of international students took to the streets across Canada this week in response to recent immigration policies that could see approximately 70,000 of them facing deportation.
Major provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, witnessed large-scale protests against the federal government’s reforms.
The demonstrations, reported by City News Toronto on Monday, were sparked by the abolition of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program in 2021, which had previously allowed international students to gain essential work experience in Canada after completing their studies.
The Federal Government further exacerbated concerns last year by introducing a two-year cap on international student visas, significantly impacting the foreign student population.
As of 2023, international students accounted for 37 percent of study visa holders in Canada. However, the recent cap on student visas is expected to reduce this intake by 35 percent, with the government citing the need to alleviate pressures on housing, unemployment, and public services.
The situation worsened in June when the Canadian government announced that foreign nationals could no longer apply for a PGWP at the border.
Advocacy groups like the Naujawan Support Network have warned that many international graduates could face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year.
A Former international student now at risk of deportation, expressed his frustration, stating, “I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System points, but the government has taken advantage of us.”
The crisis has been further aggravated by new provincial policies, including a 25 percent reduction in permanent residency nominations, making it even more difficult for international students to remain in Canada.
Immigrant workers have also joined the protests in cities like Brampton, countering claims that they contribute to local housing and job crises.
