A group of 25 Chinese graduate students is suing the federal government, claiming Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unfairly stalled their study permit applications and put their academic futures at risk. The students, all admitted to highly competitive STEM programs at Canadian universities including UBC, McGill, and the University of Waterloo, say the unexplained delays have left them in financial turmoil and emotional distress.
For Yixin Cheng, a 27-year-old admitted to a PhD program in computer science at UBC, the impact has been devastating. He applied in May 2024 and left a well-paying job in China to begin his studies, but more than a year later, he has yet to receive an update. “Basically, the IRCC pressed the pause button for my life,” he said, estimating his lost income at about $170,000. With the academic year already underway, Cheng fears losing his chance to pursue the program.
Another student, Li Zhen, gave up his job at Microsoft to begin doctoral studies at Polytechnique Montréal, but instead has been left struggling with mounting rent and insurance costs without income. He says the uncertainty has damaged his mental health to the point that he now requires therapy. “I just cannot sleep,” he said, describing the experience as deeply demoralizing for him and his family.
Their lawyer, Toronto-based Vakkas Bilsin, argues the delays form a troubling pattern, pointing out that all the students are Chinese nationals pursuing advanced STEM research. Letters of support from professors warn that the stalled permits are disrupting labs, derailing projects, and undermining Canada’s research reputation. “These unreasonable delays are causing severe and ongoing harm,” one University of Waterloo professor wrote.
IRCC has denied any discrimination, saying all applications are subject to the same review process, which includes security checks conducted by outside agencies such as CSIS and the Canada Border Services Agency. Former CSIS director Ward Elcock defended the vetting process, citing past espionage concerns linked to STEM research.
But for the students caught in limbo, the reassurances ring hollow. Each passing day feels like a lost opportunity, and many now wonder whether their academic ambitions in Canada will ever become a reality.