Thousands say they invested heavily in their education before learning their programmes do not qualify for Canada’s post-graduation work permit
Thousands of Indian students in Canada are facing uncertainty after discovering that the diploma programmes they completed do not qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), despite spending around CAD 32,000 in tuition fees over two years. The issue has triggered protests and renewed debate over Canada’s international student policies.
Many of the affected students were enrolled in a Business Management diploma offered through a partnership between Portage College in Alberta and the Canadian Institute of Osteopathic Therapy in Calgary. They say they expected the programme to make them eligible for a PGWP, which allows international graduates to gain Canadian work experience and can serve as a pathway towards permanent residency.
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According to Canadian immigration rules, not all programmes offered by designated learning institutions qualify for a PGWP
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Students are ineligible if they complete courses delivered under certain curriculum licensing or public-private partnership arrangements, even when the institution itself is recognized
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has also introduced field-of-study requirements for many non-degree programmes as part of broader reforms to the international student system
Videos of students protesting outside the college have circulated widely on social media, with participants claiming they were not adequately informed about the restrictions before enrolling. Many have urged authorities to review their cases, arguing they made significant financial commitments based on expectations that they would be able to work in Canada after graduation.
The controversy comes as Canada continues tightening rules for international students to align temporary migration with labour market needs. Immigration officials advise prospective students to verify whether both their institution and specific programme meet PGWP eligibility requirements before accepting an offer of admission.
