Canada Denies Rules Change as International Students Protest Mass Work Permit Rejections

International students from Alberta are protesting mass rejections for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs). The federal government has denied changing the eligibility rules, despite claims by the protesters. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab stated that international students make significant contributions to Canada's economy but rejected allegations of tightened rules.

Diab acknowledged that governments have identified problems within the international student system in recent years, leading to reforms in 2024. However, she maintained that the eligibility criteria for PGWPs remain unchanged and emphasized that non-credit programs are not entitled to these permits.