International students in Edmonton protest denial of post-graduate work permits
Posted Jul 28, 2026 8:40 am.
A group of international students protested in Edmonton’s Mill Woods on Monday, saying they want answers as to why their post-graduate work permits were denied.
The students, who protested in the heavy rain at 50 Street and 23 Avenue, came to Edmonton for an education and say they were unfairly and unexpectedly denied a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
“Justice for graduates” and “We deserve fair treatments” were some of the signs they held up for passersby to see.
BACKGROUND: ‘Not fair’: Edmonton international students ask why post-graduate work permits denied
“We’re out of time. I think 70 days, about 70 days that have been left,” said Chitrakshi Kaur, one of hundreds of students impacted in Alberta’s capital.
Kaur enrolled in an educational assistant diploma program offered through Portage College in Lac la Biche through a partnership with Edmonton’s Campbell College. She says she was told she would be eligible for a PGWP once she graduated.
“The only reason they’re refusing a work permit, saying it’s non-credit, which doesn’t really, to my sense, it doesn’t really make any sense, because there wasn’t anything mentioned about non-credit in the website,” she said.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) told CityNews last week there have been no changes to the eligibility criteria for the PGWP Program.
“We updated our PGWP webpage in June 2026 to clarify the existing eligibility requirements related to non-credit programs of study,” a statement from July 21 reads. “To be eligible for a PGWP, applicants must complete a program of study that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate from a designated learning institution (DLI). This longstanding requirement does not include general interest programs, ESL/FSL programs, and other types of non-credit programs.”
Both Portage College and Campbell College are listed as DLIs on the government website.
A spokesperson for Campbell College told CityNews last week its partnership with Portage ended in April when the federal government started regulating partnerships with public and private colleges. The college said this is the first time it’s heard of students being denied without a specific reason.
Portage College says in a statement it’s seeking clarification on the issue, but decisions related to immigration rest with IRCC.
“We guys have reached out to local lawyers,” said Jai Singh, who was also denied. “We’re holding meetings, and today it was decided that we guys will go to the legislature. But the weather is harsh today.”
Singh says he’s been protesting since last week and will continue to do so until they get answers.
“Our next steps are to talk with the local government to get their assistance,” he said.
–With files from James Dunn
