This week, tens of thousands of international students took to the streets across Canada in large-scale protests, voicing their frustration and fear over recent immigration reforms introduced by the federal government. These demonstrations, which reportedly involved around 70,000 students, unfolded in key provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
The protests were sparked by a series of immigration reforms that have left many international students anxious about their future in Canada, particularly the looming threat of deportation. In 2021, the Canadian government made a significant change by abolishing the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. This program had previously been a crucial pathway for international students, allowing them to gain work experience in Canada after completing their studies, which often led to permanent residency.
Adding to the concerns, last year, the government introduced a two-year cap on international student visas, which has since become a major source of anxiety for students. As of 2023, international students constituted 37 percent of all study visa holders in Canada. However, the new visa cap is expected to slash the number of foreign students coming to Canada by 35 percent. The government justifies this move as a necessary step to ease pressures on housing, unemployment, and public services, but the implications for students are severe.
In June, the situation worsened when the government announced that foreign nationals would no longer be able to apply for the PGWP at the border, further tightening the restrictions. This decision has amplified fears among students who now face the prospect of being unable to stay in Canada after their visas and permits expire.
Student advocacy groups, like the Naujawan Support Network, have been vocal in warning that many international graduates are at risk of deportation once their work permits run out by the end of the year. The uncertainty has left many feeling betrayed by a system they believed would support their aspirations. Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student, expressed his frustration, saying, “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.”
Further complicating matters are new provincial policies, including a 25 percent reduction in permanent residency nominations, which has significantly limited the options for international students hoping to stay in Canada long-term. These policies have also led to rallies by immigrant workers in cities like Brampton, where they have pushed back against claims that they are contributing to housing and job shortages.
Overall, these immigration reforms have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among international students and immigrant workers alike, leading to widespread protests and calls for more equitable policies.