‘We were promised work permits’: Liberals deny Ottawa changed the rules
Rejected graduates say they spent tens of thousands of dollars believing they qualified for post-graduation work permits, while Ottawa insists the rules never changed.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab insists the federal government has not changed eligibility rules for post-graduation work permits, even as hundreds of former international students continue protesting in Alberta over mass permit refusals.
Asked about the demonstrations during a press conference, Diab said international students make important contributions to Canada’s economy but rejected claims that Ottawa recently tightened the rules governing post-graduation work permits (PGWPs).
“International students add value to our Canadian economy. There’s no doubt about it,” Diab said.
She acknowledged that governments began identifying problems within the international student system in recent years, prompting reforms in 2024, but maintained the eligibility criteria for the disputed permits remain unchanged.
“On your specific questions on PGWP... there has been no change,” she said.
“It was always the case that non-credit [programs] are not entitled to this postgraduate work permit.”
