In 2021, 2022 and again in 2023, our collective organizing resulted in the federal government allowing Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders to extend our permits. Yet again, it is not clear who will be able to apply for the 2023 renewal. At the same time, these are temporary one-time measures, and many of us are in crisis because we cannot get our permanent resident status. Express Entry draws are inconsistent and points needed for Canadian Experience Class are too high. We deserve permanent solutions.

Enter your information below to get updates on the PGWP program as it is announced, and to send a letter to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser asking him to fix Express Entry.

Open Letter from Migrant Students

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, we are calling on you to ensure permanent resident status for migrant student workers like me. Many of us have expired or expiring permits for reasons beyond our control. We live here, we work here, we have formed homes and communities here, and we deserve to stay.

Too many have been left out from the 2022 post graduate work permit (PGWP) extension policy, even though we faced some of the worst moments of the pandemic, including the highest unemployment rate in Canadian history. We call on you to enact immediate solutions such as:
* Make the Post Graduate Work Permit permanently renewable;
* Ensure Canadian Experience Class (CEC) specific draws to address the aftermath of the 9 month suspension of draws;
* Fix Express Entry by valuing work in all NOC/TEER levels, including TEER 4 and 5, ensuring fair CRS calculations and predictable, transparent draws;
* No exclusions: PR status for all regardless of age, immigration status, work, language and education requirements.

We deserve equal rights and dignity, and that means permanent resident status for all of us.

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

On March 18 and 19, current and former international students are organizing and joining actions for permanent resident Status for All and fairness. There are actions in 7 cities across the country, sign up below and join the one in Toronto!

Sunday, March 19
2pm
Christie Pits Park
See map here: https://goo.gl/maps/ztX4XJv9crWPiJQh7

Can’t make it on Sunday?

Sign the petition and send a message to PM Trudeau for Status for All and fairness: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUFairness

Migrant Student Workers (current, graduated and undocumented international students) are now the largest group of temporary migrants in the country. We are uniting as migrants for our rights, for justice and dignity. Let’s unite to #MakeItFair!

ENSURE STATUS FOR ALL MIGRANT STUDENT WORKERS

• Fix Express Entry: Fair CRS calculations, predictable draws, no one left out
• Value all work in immigration selection: In any NOC/TEER, work done on the study permit, in co-op
• No exclusions: PR status for all regardless of age, immigration status, work, language and education requirements

FIX PERMITS

• Permanently end the 20 hour work rule for study permit holders
• Make PGWP renewable, and include private college students
• Allow co-op work authorization without extra permits 
• Permit protections for vulnerable and destitute migrant student workers
• No industry of work restrictions

LOWER TUITION, ENSURE GOOD JOBS & ALL SERVICES

• Fair tuition: No differential treatment, caps on tuition increases, stop the fees 
• Ensure access to employment and decent work; end wage theft and labour exploitation. 
• Ensure full access to all services including healthcare, housing, jobs, scholarships, and in-school support
• Ensure family unity