As the new school year approaches, thousands of international students in Canada are facing an uncertain future, with many fearing deportation due to recent federal policy changes. Over 70,000 international graduates could be forced to leave the country when their work permits expire at the end of this year, triggering widespread protests across the nation.
The Naujawan Support Network, a student advocacy group, has voiced concerns that these students, who had hoped to secure permanent residency after completing their studies, are now left with overwhelming debt and shattered dreams.
Protests have erupted from coast to coast, with students setting up encampments outside the legislative assembly in Prince Edward Island, where they have been protesting overnight for over three months. Similar demonstrations have taken place in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, as students rally against provincial policies that have reduced permanent residency nominations by 25%, leaving many vulnerable to deportation.
“I spent the most crucial six years of my life taking many risks to come to Canada,” says Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student now facing the threat of deportation. Singh, like many others, has invested heavily in his education and paid taxes, only to see his dreams of permanent residency slip away as his work permit nears its expiration.
The situation has been exacerbated by the inconsistency in immigration draws, with students no longer knowing when the next Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw will take place, leading to significant backlogs.
In Brampton and other cities, hundreds of international students and immigrant workers have held rallies, pushing back against narratives that blame them for local housing and job crises. Advocacy groups like the International Sikh Student Organization argue that these issues stem from broader policy failures rather than the presence of international students.
The students are calling on the federal government to extend work permits and establish clear, transparent pathways to permanent residency. They emphasize their significant contributions to the Canadian economy and demand fair treatment, warning that without these changes, Canada risks losing a large portion of its skilled workforce and the trust of future international students.
As the protests continue, the international student community remains caught between hope and uncertainty, fighting for their right to stay and build a future in Canada.