Nine days after their Post-Graduation Work Permits were retroactively denied, hundreds of international students from the College Institute of Osteopathic Therapy (CIOT) are gathered in protest near Saddletowne Circle.
Monday marked the fifth day of the protest, which started as a hunger strike.
Jashan Preet Singh said that community leaders encouraged protestors to end their strike.
“The MPs, MLAs, and head of the Gurdwara Committee, they came here and they asked us to deny the hunger strike because they don’t want us to suffer more. They promised to give us help, whatever they can do,” he said.
“We were at CIOT College, but they didn’t give us any rights, or they didn’t give us any help. We asked for reconsideration or to book a lawyer for us. But they denied us.”
In a statement, the IRCC said that they understand the gravity of the situation and are working to resolve each individual case.
“We recognize that this situation is deeply important to those involved. We understand that behind every application, there is a person, a family and important plans for the future,” the statement reads.
“IRCC continues to process applications fairly and consistently under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. We are committed to clear, accurate and accessible communications so applicants can make informed decisions about their future.”
In order to receive an PGWP, applicants must complete a program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate from a designated learning institution, according to the IRCC. It added that the longstanding requirement does not include general interest programs, English or French as a second language programs or other types of non-credit programs.
Applicants should confirm that both their designated learning institution and their specific program are eligible because not every program offered by a designated learning institution qualifies for a PGWP, the statement reads.
Students asking for fair chance
Jaskirat Kaur, who completed a business management diploma, said students have received little information beyond their refusal letters.
“We didn’t hear anything because we went to our college, CIOT and asked if they were talking with IRCC, but they haven’t received any response yet. And we also tried to contact them, but we didn’t get any conclusion from them.”
Kaur said students believed they were eligible based on information previously provided by IRCC and their college.
“They updated the website, and they just mentioned that you are not eligible. But the thing is, before, we were eligible because we had all the proof, the emails and everything- which were provided by IRCC and the college”
She said the group’s main concern is that some classmates have received approval while others have been refused.
Kaur said that as a group, impacted students have noticed that only 10 students are approved per day.
“We don’t object to them getting approvals. But if the course is the same and we are sitting at the same desk, there’s no difference,” she said.
“It’s unfair for us.”
Kaur said the students are only hoping for a fair review of their applications.
“Please, IRCC, listen to our voices. We are demanding our fair justice. We don’t want any special treatment or anything else. What you promised, just fulfill that.”
.
