Garv Makkar, a student at Sheridan College, has a dream to build his own startup in Canada, but recent cuts to permanent residency programs have left him feeling disheartened.
Puneet Johal, another student who came to Canada in 2018, shares similar concerns. Aspiring to work for Canada’s Space Agency, she graduated in 2021 and has since been working towards permanent residency. Now pursuing a degree at McMaster, she remains uncertain about her future due to changes in immigration policies.
Last month, the federal government announced a 10% reduction in study permits for 2025, in addition to tightening the eligibility for post-graduate work permits (PGWP). This decision, along with potential cuts to permanent residency programs, has left many students feeling anxious about their futures in Canada.
For Novjot Salaria, who came to Canada from India after feeling politically suffocated in her home country, these changes are especially troubling. Her work permit expires in 2025, and she fears the prospect of returning to India, calling it “heartbreaking.”
Protests and Uncertainty: For 49 days, a group of international students has been protesting near Highway 410 in Brampton, calling on the government to extend PGWPs set to expire in 2024 and 2025. The Naujawan Support Network (NSN), which supports the protest, estimates that around 70,000 PGWP holders may not achieve permanent residency before their permits expire.
Changes to Canada’s immigration policies began in 2023, when new criteria were introduced under the Express Entry system, prioritizing individuals in specific fields and those who speak French. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has hinted at further significant reductions in permanent residency levels.
Mental Health Crisis: The situation has taken a toll on the mental health of many international students. Simrat Kaur, part of the encampment protest, has a work permit expiring next month and will apply for a visitor visa to remain in Canada, but will be unable to work. Many students fear the emotional and financial consequences of returning to their home countries after investing years in Canada.
Students like Puneet Johal feel trapped in a cycle of anxiety. With frequent policy changes, she says, “This creates a climate of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty,” noting that these pressures have led to mental health struggles, including suicides among international students.
According to statistics from Punjabi Community Health Services and Lotus Funeral Homes, five international students die every month, with causes ranging from heart attacks to suicides.
Exploitation of International Students: While some applaud the government’s decision to reduce study permits, others point out that international students often face exploitation by educational institutions. Gurpreet Malhotra, CEO of Indus Services, a community organization in Peel, believes that unchecked immigration has led to students being treated as “cash cows.” Many are placed in substandard housing and left without adequate support systems.
Statistics Canada reports that 63% of international students in Brampton live in unsuitable housing conditions, the highest rate in Canada. Malhotra hopes the cuts will encourage colleges to better support students and ensure proper housing.
Future in Limbo: For some students like Garv Makkar, the uncertainty surrounding permanent residency is causing doubt. Makkar, who had dreamed of starting his own business in Canada, is now reconsidering his future amid rising racial tensions and growing hostility towards international students.
Others, like Milan Josh from Nepal, plan to return to their home countries after completing their studies. Josh acknowledges the value of the Canadian education system but feels empathy for those whose visas may be denied, understanding the impact such rejections have on morale.
Despite the challenges, many students still hope that Canada will one day be their permanent home, but the ongoing immigration policy shifts have left them in a state of uncertainty. ( Courtesy Brampton Guardian)