A few Indian students of Portage College in Calgary, Canada, started a hunger strike as part of their ongoing protest against Canada Immigration’s decision to deny them a post-graduation work permit. They said they waited for some positive outcome as they have been protesting for a few days now but now they have to start a round-the-clock protest to draw the attention of the authorities. While a thousand students have been protesting, around 5-6 students started a hunger strike.
What is the post-graduation work permit issue?
The issue pertains to students who attended a diploma program offered by Portage College and the Canadian Institute of Osteopathic Therapy. Thousands of students got their post-graduation work permit denied as the IRCC said that the course they studied does not qualify for the work permit. In Canada, this PGWP depends on what course a student is pursuing and also the institute from which the degree is obtained.The students claimed that the course they pursued and the college — both were on the eligibility list when they enrolled. After they paid $32,000 for the two-year course and completed it, they were told that the course and the institute are no longer eligible.Portage College authorities said they were aware of the immigration issue, but the decision is made by the IRCC and they have nothing to do with it, though they have sought clarification from the immigration department. Meanwhile, some partner campuses of Portage College decided to shut down their physical locations. Portage College said this was also unrelated to the PGWP issue and was planned since 2024.
‘We studied here, we deserve to work here’
Students said they want a review of their work permit denial and that they deserve to work in Canada as they studied here. The students claimed that after two years, they have been informed that their diploma is a non-credit program. Non-credit programs are not eligible for a work permit. The students claimed the new rule was made in June 2026 only on the website. Two years ago, they were told their programs qualified for a work permit.
