Canada is currently experiencing widespread protests as around 70,000 international students rally against the new immigration policies introduced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal government.
The demonstrations have spread across various provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, highlighting the growing discontent among foreign students.
According to a report by City News Toronto, the unrest stems from several policy changes that have significantly affected international students. In 2021, Canada eliminated the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which had previously allowed international students to gain work experience after completing their studies.
Further tightening of immigration rules occurred last year when the federal government introduced a two-year cap on international student visas. These changes have had a significant impact on the student population. By 2023, international students accounted for 37% of all study visa holders in Canada, contributing to the strain on housing, employment, and other services.
The new cap on student visas is expected to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35%, exacerbating the situation further. In June, the Canadian government announced that foreign nationals would no longer be able to apply for a PGWP at the border, adding to the challenges faced by international students.
The protests have been driven by fears that many graduates may face deportation when their work permits expire at the end of the year. The Naujawan Support Network, a student advocacy group, has been vocal about their concerns, warning that the situation is dire for many students.
The situation has been worsened by new provincial policies that have reduced the number of permanent residency nominations by 25%, making it even harder for international students to remain in the country.
Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student now facing deportation, expressed his frustration to City News Toronto, saying, “I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but the government has taken advantage of us.”