Numerous international students enrolled at vocational schools and career colleges in Alberta have raised concerns over the rejection of their post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) due to their programs being classified as non-credit courses. Graduates from Portage College have been staging protests outside the college’s Calgary and Edmonton campuses, with some resorting to a hunger strike to highlight their plight.

Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney were questioned about the ongoing protests during an unrelated press briefing on July 29. While Carney was unaware of the demonstrations, he emphasized the importance of following the correct procedures for international graduates lacking authorization to remain in the country.

Lovepreet Singh, a former student at Campbell College in Edmonton under a partnership with Portage College, disclosed in an interview with CBC Radio’s Edmonton AM that he completed non-credit teacher’s assistant courses before applying for a PGWP in March. Non-credit programs do not offer academic credits or contribute towards a degree or diploma.

Responding to the students’ grievances, Portage College spokesperson Jaime Davies stated that the institution is actively seeking clarification on the denied permits, emphasizing that PGWP decisions are solely determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Singh’s application was declined in June as his courses did not meet the federal government’s permit program criteria, despite assurances from Campbell College regarding his eligibility. He mentioned that some international students were approved for permits, but subsequent updates on the IRCC website specified that non-credit courses were ineligible for PGWPs.

In early 2024, IRCC revised the permit eligibility criteria for graduates of public-private partnership programs, disqualifying them from PGWPs starting May 2024. Singh enrolled in classes before the new regulations took effect, believing he was eligible for the permit based on information provided by the college.

While Singh and his peers have engaged with Portage College administration in attempts to resolve the issue, the college has not yet presented a solution to the affected graduates. Portage College announced the discontinuation of partnerships with Campbell College and the Canadian Institute of Osteopathic Therapy in Calgary, emphasizing that this decision was unrelated to the recent PGWP rejections.

International graduates facing PGWP denials have a 90-day window to apply for an alternative visa or leave Canada. Singh has initiated a judicial review process, anticipating a lengthy wait of up to six months for a resolution, expressing dismay over being deemed ineligible for the PGWP after investing significant time in their studies.