Indian Students in Canada Hunger Strike Over PGWP Denials: Why Graduates Are Protesting and What Happens Next

A group of Indian students in Canada has begun a hunger strike after being denied Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), escalating a dispute that has affected hundreds of international graduates. The protest, taking place in Calgary, Alberta, is centered on claims that students enrolled in programs they believed qualified for work permits but later had their applications refused.

The hunger strike follows weeks of demonstrations and legal efforts by affected graduates, many of whom say they invested significant time and money in their Canadian education with the expectation of gaining work experience after graduation. While students argue that policy clarifications have unfairly affected them, Canadian immigration authorities maintain that eligibility rules are based on existing regulations.

Indian Students in Canada Hunger Strike: Why Are They Protesting?

The protest is largely led by graduates associated with Portage College partnership programs delivered in Calgary.

According to the students:

• They enrolled believing their programs were eligible for PGWPs.

• They completed their studies successfully.

• Their work permit applications were later rejected.

• They believe recent immigration guidance has affected their eligibility.

• They want the Canadian government to review their cases.

As the issue remained unresolved, several students launched a hunger strike with the message:

"We studied here, we deserve to work here."

The demonstration is intended to draw urgent attention to their situation after weeks of peaceful protests.

What Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible international graduates from designated Canadian institutions to work in Canada after completing their studies.

The permit helps graduates:

• Gain Canadian work experience.

• Improve career prospects.

• Become eligible for various immigration pathways.

• Apply for permanent residency through qualifying programs.

For many international students, the PGWP is considered one of the most important benefits of studying in Canada.

Why Were the Work Permits Refused?

The dispute revolves around program eligibility.

Students say they enrolled in diploma programs after being informed they would qualify for PGWPs. However, Canadian immigration authorities later clarified that certain non-credit or ineligible partnership programs generally do not meet PGWP requirements, resulting in permit refusals for many graduates.

Students argue that:

• The guidance created confusion.

• They relied on information available when enrolling.

• They invested thousands of dollars in tuition and living expenses.

• They completed their education in good faith.

Around 1,500 Graduates May Be Affected

Student representatives estimate that around 1,500 international graduates, including many Indian students, could be impacted by the permit refusals.

Several affected graduates have already:

• Filed legal challenges.

• Requested government intervention.

• Sought reconsideration of their applications.

• Joined coordinated protests.

The issue has attracted attention from immigration lawyers, education experts, and international student advocacy groups.

Portage College Responds

Portage College has stated that immigration decisions are made solely by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and that the institution cannot overturn or modify permit decisions.

The college has advised affected students to:

• Consult licensed immigration lawyers.

• Speak with Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants.

• Preserve all documents related to admissions, enrollment, and PGWP applications.

The institution has also indicated that it continues to communicate with immigration authorities regarding the issue.

Financial and Emotional Impact on Students

Many students say the permit refusals have placed them under severe financial and emotional pressure.

According to reports, several students spent approximately CAD 32,000 on tuition for two-year programs, in addition to accommodation and living expenses. Without PGWPs, many fear losing the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience and may have to leave the country when their legal status expires.

Students have also expressed concerns about:

• Education loans.

• Career uncertainty.

• Mental health.

• Family financial burdens.

• Immigration status.

Could the Decision Be Reviewed?

Immigration lawyers representing some students are reportedly exploring legal avenues, arguing that graduates enrolled based on a reasonable understanding of eligibility.

Whether any applications are reconsidered will depend on:

• Canadian immigration policies.

• Ongoing legal proceedings.

• Government review of the disputed cases.

At present, there has been no announcement of a blanket reversal of the permit refusals.

What This Means for Future International Students

The dispute highlights the importance of verifying PGWP eligibility before enrolling in any Canadian program.

Prospective students should:

• Confirm that both the institution and the specific program qualify for PGWPs.

• Check the latest IRCC eligibility requirements.

• Obtain written confirmation where possible.

• Seek advice from authorized immigration professionals before making education decisions.

Understanding program eligibility can help students avoid unexpected immigration challenges after graduation.

Conclusion

The Indian Students in Canada Hunger Strike has brought renewed attention to the challenges facing international graduates whose Post-Graduation Work Permit applications have been refused. As students continue protesting and pursuing legal remedies, the issue has sparked broader discussions about immigration policy, program transparency, and the expectations of international students investing in Canadian education.

For now, affected graduates await further clarity from Canadian authorities while hoping that their cases will receive a fair review.