To: The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Government of Canada

Call on the Government of Canada to extend the 70,000+ Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) expiring in 2024-25

Background:

A three-year work permit has typically been sufficient for international graduates to secure permanent residency in Canada. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges, including a highly competitive job market, processing delays for permanent residency applications, inconsistent immigration draws, and higher points cutoffs. These factors have left many graduates facing the expiration of their PGWPs before they can secure status of permanent residency. These uncertainties are making this already vulnerable population more vulnerable to all sorts of exploitation.

A CBC report has highlighted the tragic reality of deceased international students' bodies being sent back to India. Report said in 2022 alone, 33 remains were sent back to India. This underscores the severe stress and challenges faced by these students.

Why This Matters:

1. Economic Contributions: International graduates fill essential roles across various industries, addressing labor shortages and supporting critical services. International graduates frequently take on jobs that are often avoided by other individuals, helping to maintain essential services and fill critical labor shortages. Their contributions drive innovation, economic growth, and cultural diversity. They have been vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing significantly to essential services and helping to keep our economy running. International graduates and PGWP holders make substantial contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), thereby bolstering the financial stability of our social security system. They also fulfill their responsibilities as taxpayers, further strengthening Canada's economic framework.

2. Business & Industry boosters: The expiration of PGWPs would mean losing trained and integrated employees, causing disruptions, additional recruitment and training costs, and a potential decrease in productivity, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). International students contributed approximately $22 billion annually to the Canadian economy through tuition fees, living expenses, and spending, supporting over 170,000 jobs across the country.

3. Humanitarian Concerns: Many international graduates have built their lives in Canada, integrated into our communities, and invested significant resources into their education and professional development. Families have spent their lifetime savings and sold their land to support their children in coming to Canada for education and better opportunities. The sudden loss of their ability to work and contribute would be devastating, leading to personal and financial instability. Additionally, their Canadian education may not be recognized or relevant in their home countries, limiting their career opportunities upon return.

4. Reputation as Educational Hub : If deportation of international students were to occur, it would likely tarnish Canada's reputation as a welcoming and inclusive destination for education and immigration. It could deter future students and skilled professionals from choosing Canada, impacting its global image and potentially reducing economic and cultural benefits derived from international talent. Additionally, such actions may raise concerns about Canada's commitment to human rights and fairness in its immigration policies.

                                         Our Demands 

1. Extend PGWPs expiring in 2024 and 2025 
2. Fair pathways to PR (consistent draws; separate PNP & CEC) 
3. Consideration of PGWP52 suggestions to ensure stability including        extended  work permit durations in future
4. Stop LMIA-based exploitation 
5. We call for robust measures to combat online hate against immigrants

If transitioning of the current PGWP population into Permanent Residency is a prolonged process, we urgently recommend controlling or halting the intake of new students into the country. This measure is essential to ensure we can adequately support and integrate those who are already here, and to prevent future exploitation of new students by addressing systemic issues and ensuring proper resources and protections are in place.

Join Us:

Sign this petition to show your support for extending the expiring PGWPs and helping international graduates continue to contribute to our society. Together, we can ensure that Canada remains a welcoming and supportive environment for those who have chosen to make this country their home.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

International Sikh Students Association & Associate groups.