Indian graduates protesting Post-Graduation Work Permit refusals linked to Portage College programs have received a firm response from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who said international students without valid immigration status cannot remain in Canada.
The July 30, 2026 development has brought political attention to a dispute involving programs delivered through former Portage College partner locations in Calgary and Edmonton. Some affected graduates began a hunger strike after saying they paid substantial tuition and expected their courses to qualify for a post-study work permit.
The central issue is the classification of their programs. Reported refusal letters said the applicants had completed non-credit courses that did not meet Canada’s PGWP requirements.
What is the latest Portage College PGWP update?
Smith addressed the controversy during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. She said students whose visas have expired and who do not have permanent residence or another valid immigration status are expected to leave Canada.
Carney said he was not familiar with the specific details of the dispute but noted that an established immigration process must be followed.
Smith did not describe Portage College as a diploma mill. However, she suggested that the expected pathway to permanent residence may have been overstated. Her comments do not change individual decisions, which remain under federal authority.
Why were the work permit applications refused?
Portage College confirmed on July 14 that graduates of certain non-credit programs had received PGWP refusals. Some applications included a supporting letter previously issued by the college.
Reportedly affected courses include a Business Management Diploma delivered through the Canadian Institute of Osteopathic Therapy in Calgary. Graduates from programs delivered at Campbell College in Edmonton have raised similar concerns.
Students say they enrolled in 2023 or 2024 believing their studies could lead to a PGWP. Some graduates connected to the Calgary program reported paying approximately C$32,000 in tuition over two years.
Under the official IRCC PGWP requirements, non-credit programs are ineligible, apart from qualifying flight-school training.
Does studying at Portage College guarantee a PGWP?
No. A designated learning institution may offer both eligible and ineligible courses. Admission, a study permit and graduation from a Canadian college do not independently guarantee a post-graduation work permit.
IRCC considers the exact program, credential, delivery location, start date and study arrangement. This distinction matters when a public institution’s program is delivered by a private career college through a curriculum-licensing partnership.
Most public-private partnership programs are not eligible. A limited exception may apply when a student began a same-province arrangement on or before May 15, 2024, but every other requirement must still be satisfied.
Starting before that date does not provide automatic protection. If IRCC classifies the completed course as non-credit, the application may still be refused.
What has Portage College told graduates?
Portage College said it is seeking clarification from immigration authorities but cannot overturn or influence an IRCC decision.
After receiving legal advice, the college stopped issuing support letters on July 15. It explained that a college document cannot establish PGWP eligibility or guarantee approval.
Representatives met graduates from the Calgary and Edmonton partner locations on July 21. The college also said the closure of former partner campuses was planned from 2024 and was unrelated to the recent refusals.
The case comes amid broader Canadian immigration and international-student rule changes in 2026, making it important to verify the exact campus and program before paying tuition.
Canada is also reducing new study-permit numbers. The pressure is particularly visible under the international-student permit cap affecting Ontario colleges, although that policy is separate from the Portage College dispute in Alberta.
Can refused graduates continue working?
Eligible graduates may normally work full-time while IRCC processes a PGWP application if they applied while holding a valid study permit and met the off-campus work conditions during their studies.
That temporary authorization generally ends when the application is refused. Requesting reconsideration or starting a court challenge does not automatically restore permission to work.
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What should affected graduates do next?
- Read the refusal letter and identify the exact reason.
- Confirm whether any authorization to remain or work in Canada continues.
- Stop working if the refusal ended the applicable work authorization.
- Keep acceptance letters, transcripts and completion documents.
- Preserve advertisements or correspondence discussing PGWP eligibility.
- Request immigration officer notes where available.
- Consult an authorized immigration lawyer or regulated consultant promptly.
Depending on the individual file, possible steps may include requesting reconsideration, submitting a new application with additional evidence or seeking permission for judicial review in Federal Court.
None of these routes guarantees approval, and legal deadlines may apply. Graduates should also obtain advice about restoration of status, visitor status or another work permit before making further immigration or employment decisions.
This article provides general information and does not constitute immigration or legal advice.
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