‘Student visa is temporary document, earn your education and return home’: Alberta Premier tells international students

Alberta Premier Clarifies Student Visa is Temporary Document for International Learners

Theindiapostdaily.com – Danielle Smith, the Premier of Canada’s Alberta province, has firmly stated that a student visa is temporary document designed for education purposes. She emphasized that international students arriving on these visas must eventually return home once their studies conclude. This clarification comes amid growing concerns from international students, particularly those from India, who studied at Portage College and are seeking post-graduation work permits.

Smith Addresses Portage College Controversy

Speaking about recent protests by international students, Smith suggested that Portage College may have overstated the pathway to permanent residency. “I think perhaps Portage maybe overstated the pathway to permanent residency. But our view is that if you come here as an international student and your visa expires, and you don’t have permanent residency, you need to go home,” she explained. Several Portage College students have alleged that their post-immigration PGWP applications were denied by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), claiming their business management programs are non-credit and ineligible for permanent residency.

Smith reinforced her position in an Instagram post, stating, “A student visa is temporary document to study in Canada. That was always understood.” She highlighted that Alberta’s universities and colleges were built by Alberta taxpayers, primarily serving Alberta students first. Where space exists for international students, the terms remain straightforward: earn your education, then return home to build a life with it.

Canada’s Immigration System Under Review

The Premier also noted that Canada should maintain a fair and rule-based immigration system. “Rules are what make a fair system fair and our country needs to return to an immigration process that respects the rules,” she said. This statement reflects growing concerns about the integrity of Canada’s student immigration pathway.

Over the years, Canada—one of the most preferred destinations for international students—has witnessed the rise of diploma mills. These institutions, sometimes fake or unaccredited, issue student visas and award diplomas and academic degrees for money without requiring actual study, classes, or tests. International students who often pay substantial amounts for these diplomas are lured with promises of work permits and permanent residency. Only after their permanent residency applications are rejected by the IRCC do most of these students realize they have been misled.

Portage College Responds to Concerns

In a statement to CBC News, Jaime Davies, a spokesperson for Portage College, confirmed that the college is aware some international graduate students had their permits denied. Davies added that the college is seeking clarification but emphasized that PGWP applications are “assessed and decided solely by the IRCC.” “We remain committed to providing factual information and responding to graduate inquiries that are within the college’s role and keeping graduates informed as new information becomes available,” Davies concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a student visa in Canada?

A student visa is temporary document that allows international students to study in Canada for a specific period. It is not a pathway to permanent residency unless other criteria are met.

Why are some students returning home?

Students whose visas expire without permanent residency status must return home according to Alberta’s position. This includes those whose PGWP applications were denied.

What are diploma mills?

Diploma mills are institutions that issue student visas and academic credentials for money without requiring genuine study, classes, or examinations.

Who decides PGWP applications?

Post-graduation work permit applications are assessed and decided solely by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), not by individual colleges.