Canada is making its immigration rules tougher for international students.
Alberta Premier Daniel Smith has defended a strict policy, saying that students who come to Canada on temporary study visas should leave the country once their visa expires unless they have already secured permanent residency (PR).
His comments have sparked debate, especially among international students, including many from India.
Temporary Study Visa Does Not Guarantee PR
Daniel Smith said that a student visa is only meant for studying and should not be seen as a direct path to permanent residency.
According to him, Alberta’s universities and colleges were created mainly to serve local students, while international students can study only where seats are available.
He said that students should complete their education and return to their home countries if they do not qualify for permanent residency before their visa expires.
These remarks come as Canada continues to debate the role of international students, college capacity, and immigration policies.
Portage College Controversy Explained
Smith also addressed questions about Portage College in Alberta, which has faced criticism after many graduates, including hundreds of Indian students, were denied Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs).
While he rejected calls to label the college a “diploma mill,” he admitted that some institutions may have given students unrealistic expectations about getting permanent residency.
According to Smith, Portage College may have overstated how easily international students could move from studying in Canada to becoming permanent residents.
Indian Students Affected
The Portage College case received attention after hundreds of Indian graduates were denied PGWPs, even after completing their courses.
Canada’s immigration department (IRCC) clarified that a PGWP is not automatically granted based on the course a student has completed.
Several affected Indian students also staged protests outside the college, but the issue remained unresolved.
The incident has highlighted that studying in Canada does not guarantee a work permit or permanent residency.
‘If Your Visa Expires, You Should Return Home’
Daniel Smith made his position clear, saying that international students who fail to obtain permanent residency before their study visa expires should leave Canada.
He said that students who come on temporary study permits should return to their home countries once their legal status ends.
According to Smith, following these rules is necessary to maintain a fair and well-managed immigration system.
