- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has stated that a student visa is a temporary document intended for education, emphasizing that international students should return home if they do not obtain permanent residency.
- In a post on X, Smith argued that Alberta's universities and colleges were primarily built for Alberta students, stating that international students should earn their education and then return home to build a life with it.
- Smith suggested that Portage College may have overstated the pathway to permanent residency for international students.
- Several Portage College students have alleged that their PGWP applications were denied by IRCC because their programs are non-credit.
- Jaime Davies, a spokesperson for Portage College, stated that the college is seeking clarification regarding the denied applications, emphasizing that PGWP applications are assessed solely by IRCC.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has reiterated the temporary nature of student visas, urging international students to return home after their studies unless they achieve permanent residency. In her statements, she highlighted that Alberta's educational institutions were primarily established for local students.1
“Our universities and colleges were built by Alberta taxpayers, first and foremost for Alberta students. Where there is room for international students, the terms are simple. Earn your education, then return home to build a life with it,” Smith stated.2
Smith's comments come amid concerns regarding Portage College, where several international students reported that their applications for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) were denied by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These denials were attributed to the non-credit nature of their business management programs, which rendered them ineligible for permanent residency.45
In response, Jaime Davies, a spokesperson for Portage College, acknowledged the situation, stating, “We remain committed to providing factual information and responding to graduate inquiries that are within the college's role.”
Smith also emphasized the importance of adhering to immigration rules, asserting that “Rules are what make a fair system fair and our country needs to return to an immigration process that respects the rules.”
The Premier's remarks reflect a broader concern about the integrity of Canada's immigration system, particularly in light of the rise of diploma mills that exploit international students with false promises of residency and work opportunities.
“Smith's comments follow allegations from Portage College students that their post-graduation work permit applications were denied by IRCC because their programs are non-credit. The college says it is seeking clarification, while Canada has seen a rise in diploma mills luring students with promises of permanent residency.”
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