Archive · 13 Aug 2026
CBSA checks immigration status of protesting Indian students in Calgary
Some students from India moved to Canada for school.
They hoped to work there after they finished their studies.
The Canadian government sometimes gives students a special work permit after graduation.
Many of these students were told no when they asked for the permit.
Over one thousand students gathered in a city called Calgary to complain.
They have been protesting for about ten days.
Some of them are taking turns not eating to show how serious they are.
Border officers came to check the students' papers.
The students say this is scary and not fair.
The government says it is making new rules because too many people moved to Canada quickly.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers conducted immigration status and identity checks at a protest site in Calgary.
More than 1,000 international students, many from Punjab, India, have been protesting for nearly 10 days over rejected Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications.
The protest includes a rotating hunger strike, and students fear losing their legal status if their permits expire without an alternative pathway.
Student advocacy groups criticized the checks, arguing they could intimidate students and discourage them from exercising their right to protest.
Canada has tightened study permit and post-study work rules amid housing, infrastructure and temporary-resident growth concerns, while students demand review of rejections and protection under earlier eligibility rules.
- Who
- More than 1,000 international students, many from Punjab, India, along with officers of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
- What
- Students protested rejected Post-Graduation Work Permit applications while CBSA officers conducted immigration status and identity checks at the protest site.
- When
- For nearly 10 days leading up to the report; no exact dates were given.
- Where
- Calgary, Canada.
- Why
- Students who met academic and financial requirements fear losing their legal status after PGWP rejections and permit expiries, and are demanding rejected applications be reviewed and earlier eligibility rules be applied.
Student advocates
Canadian authorities
Immigration checks at the protest
Student advocates
Student advocacy groups say CBSA conducting status checks at the demonstration could intimidate students and discourage them from exercising their right to protest.
Canadian authorities
CBSA officers were enforcing Canada's immigration laws, investigating potential violations and carrying out removals when required.
PGWP eligibility rules
Student advocates
Students demand rejected applications be reviewed and that previous PGWP eligibility rules apply to those already enrolled or who completed studies before the latest policy changes.
Canadian authorities
Federal and provincial authorities tightened rules around study permits and post-study work opportunities to reduce temporary migration amid housing and infrastructure concerns.
Pathways to permanent residency
Student advocates
Protesters say reduced provincial nominee programme opportunities make it harder for international graduates in retail and services to qualify for permanent residency.
Canadian authorities
Federal and provincial authorities introduced measures to reduce temporary migration and limit the number of international students.
- Protest location
- Calgary, Canada
- Number of protesters
- More than 1,000 international students
- Student origin
- Many from Punjab, India
- Protest duration
- Nearly 10 days, including a rotating hunger strike
- Core issue
- Rejected Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications and expiring permits
- Enforcement action
- CBSA immigration status and identity checks at the protest site
- Student demands
- Review rejected applications and apply previous PGWP eligibility rules to students already enrolled or completed before policy changes
- Policy context
- Canada tightened study permit and post-study work rules due to housing, infrastructure and temporary-resident growth concerns