Protests have erupted across Canada as tens of thousands of international students take to the streets to oppose recent immigration changes introduced by the federal government. The demonstrations, which began earlier this week, saw around 70,000 students marching in major provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
The protests are driven by concerns over new immigration policies that many fear could lead to mass deportations of international students. In 2021, Canada scrapped the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which had allowed international students to gain work experience in the country after finishing their studies. In addition, the government imposed a two-year limit on international student visas last year, intensifying fears among the student community.
International students, who made up 37 percent of study visa holders in Canada in 2023, are expected to face a significant reduction in opportunities due to these reforms. The recent cap on student visas is predicted to decrease the number of foreign students by 35 percent, a measure the government claims is necessary to ease housing, unemployment, and public service pressures.
Further complicating matters, in June, the government announced that foreign nationals would no longer be allowed to apply for PGWPs at the border, sparking additional concerns among students about their future prospects in Canada.
Student advocacy groups, including the Naujawan Support Network, have voiced fears that many international graduates could face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year.
Provincial policies are also adding to the tension. A 25 percent reduction in permanent residency nominations further restricts the pathways for international students to stay in Canada after graduation. In response, immigrant workers have also joined rallies, particularly in cities like Brampton, to challenge claims that they are contributing to local housing and job shortages.
