Student Protests Erupt Across Canada Over New Visa and Residency Policies
In a move signaling a significant shift in immigration policy, the Canadian government has imposed new restrictions on international students, igniting widespread protests across the country. This change follows the 2021 abolition of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program and a 2022 federal cap on international student visas.
By 2023, international students accounted for 37 percent of study visa holders in Canada, exacerbating challenges related to housing, unemployment, and other services. The new cap aims to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35 percent, reflecting the government’s response to these growing issues.
As of June, foreign nationals are no longer able to apply for a PGWP at the border, further tightening immigration controls. This new policy has triggered a wave of nationwide protests, with students establishing encampments and organizing rallies in provinces including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
The protests are driven by dissatisfaction with recent provincial policies that have led to a 25 percent reduction in permanent residency nominations for international students. Representatives from the Naujawan Support Network, a prominent student advocacy group, have expressed concerns that many graduates might face deportation when their work permits expire at the end of the year.
As the situation evolves, the outcry from the international student community highlights growing frustrations with Canada’s immigration policies and the challenges facing foreign students in securing their futures.
About Post Author
Views: 0
