Many international students in Canada have embarked on a hunger strike to protest the refusal of their post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applications after the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) determined that their academic programmes did not meet the required eligibility criteria.

It was learnt that the issue is connected to an estimated 480 graduates of Portage College partner-delivered programmes in Calgary and Edmonton, whose work permit requests were recently rejected by the IRCC. 

The affected students said they completed their diploma programmes, paid international tuition fees, and begun working while awaiting decisions on their applications before receiving notification of the rejection.

However, they said the IRCC cited the classification of their programmes as “non-credit” as the reason for the mass denials.

Demonstrations against the decision, which started as a hunger strike, entered its fifth day on Monday as dozens of protesters continued to gather in front of Genesis Centre in Calgary, calling on the authorities to intervene. 

One of the protesters, Jashan Preet Singh, stated that some community leaders urged the demonstrators to end their hunger strike, but reiterated their demand for reconsideration. 

Mr Singh stated, “The MPs, MLAs, and head of the Gurdwara Committee, they came here and they asked us to deny the hunger strike because they don’t want us to suffer more. They promised to give us help, whatever they can do.

“We were at CIOT College, but they didn’t give us any rights, or they didn’t give us any help. We asked for reconsideration or to book a lawyer for us. But they denied us.” 

In a statement, IRCC acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, maintaining that it would continue to adjudicate applications fairly in accordance with Canadian immigration law. 

The agency mentioned that not every programme in Canada is eligible for post graduation work permit. 

“We recognise that this situation is deeply important to those involved. We understand that behind every application, there is a person, a family and important plans for the future,” IRCC spokesperson Matthew Krupovich said. 

He added, “IRCC continues to process applications fairly and consistently under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. We are committed to clear, accurate and accessible communications so applicants can make informed decisions about their future.

“Applicants must ensure that their specific program of study is eligible, as not all programs offered by a DLI qualify for a PGWP.”

Meanwhile, Portage College said in a statement that it has no influence over the IRCC review process. The institution added that it provided students with the contact information of an immigration lawyer to enable them to seek independent legal advice.

“Portage College has no involvement in the review, assessment, or determination of individual immigration applications,” the school said. 

It added, “Regardless of the outcome of their application, graduates with questions about their immigration options are encouraged to seek advice from a licensed immigration lawyer or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. 

“To help graduates access professional guidance, the College has provided contact information for an independent immigration consultant on its PGWP information webpage.”