Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Indian Students Protest PGWP Denials in Canada
Hundreds of international students, many from India, are protesting in Calgary, Alberta, because they were denied work permits after finishing their studies.
They say they were promised these permits, which allow them to work in Canada after graduation.
The students feel they were misled and have spent a lot of money on tuition and living expenses.
Portage College, where they studied, says the decision is made by the Canadian immigration department, not the college.
The students want the government to review their cases and are even going on hunger strikes to make their point.
The college advises them to seek legal help and keep all important documents.
Hundreds of international students, primarily from India, protested in Calgary against the denial of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
Students claim they were promised PGWP eligibility and have invested significant funds in tuition and living expenses.
Portage College states that PGWP eligibility is determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and not guaranteed by program completion.
The college advises affected students to seek legal advice and retain important documents.
IRCC reviews each application individually and has not announced any new nationwide policy changes affecting PGWP eligibility.
- Who
- International students, primarily from India, protesting in Calgary, Alberta
- What
- Protest against denial of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- When
- Since July
- Where
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Why
- Students believe they were misled about PGWP eligibility and have invested significant funds
Students' Perspective
Portage College and IRCC
Eligibility for PGWP
Students' Perspective
Students believe they were misled and should be eligible for PGWP as they were promised.
Portage College and IRCC
Portage College and IRCC state that eligibility is determined by IRCC and not guaranteed by program completion.
Responsibility for Refusals
Students' Perspective
Students feel that the institutions and IRCC should take responsibility for the refusals.
Portage College and IRCC
Portage College and IRCC maintain that each application is reviewed individually and decisions are based on existing rules.
- Location of Protest
- Calgary, Alberta
- Number of Protesters
- Hundreds
- Institution Involved
- Portage College
- Government Department
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Key Reason for Protest
- Denial of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Impacted Students
- Primarily from India
- Protest Duration
- Since July
- College Statement
- Urges students to seek legal advice and retain important documents