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Canada Student Protest: There is significant news for international students—particularly those from India—who dream of studying in Canada and subsequently securing a job or Permanent Residency (PR). Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has stated unequivocally that a student visa is merely a temporary document intended for education; if a student does not obtain Permanent Residency by the time the visa expires, they must return to their home country. Smith conveyed this message in a post on X.

In her post on the social media platform X, Smith emphasized that the stance on student visas has always been clear. According to her, it is a temporary document designed solely for the purpose of pursuing education in Canada. She stated that students coming to Canada should complete their studies and then return to their home countries to advance their careers and lives there.

**Alberta Students Are the Priority**
Danielle Smith noted that universities and colleges in Alberta are funded by taxpayers' money; therefore, local students have the primary claim to them. She stated that while international students are welcome, this does not imply that every student automatically gains the right to settle permanently in Canada after completing their studies. She further remarked that Canada requires an immigration system with clear rules.

**Linked to the Portage College Controversy**
It is worth noting that Smith's comments come amidst a controversy involving Portage College. Many international students have alleged that they are facing difficulties in obtaining post-graduation work permits; a large number of these students are reportedly from India.

However, the Alberta Premier dismissed the characterization of Portage College as a "diploma mill." Nevertheless, she acknowledged that certain programs or institutions might have raised unrealistic expectations among students regarding immigration and PR prospects.

Smith mentioned that instances have come to light where some individuals exploited students by launching diploma programs. He reiterated that if a student arrives in Canada on a student visa and that visa expires before they have obtained Permanent Residency (PR), they must return to their home country.

**Strict warning against working without authorization**
Meanwhile, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has also warned students to comply with regulations. The department stated that working without valid authorization could lead to serious consequences.

According to the IRCC, students engaging in unauthorized work could face removal from Canada. Additionally, they could be banned from returning to Canada for up to five years and have a permanent negative remark recorded in their immigration history. This could also impact future applications for visas, work permits, and Permanent Residency.

**Advice for students heading to Canada**
The Canadian government has clarified that securing admission to a college or university does not, in itself, guarantee a work permit or Permanent Residency. The IRCC advises students to verify the credibility of an institution before enrolling, understand the eligibility criteria for their course, and exercise caution regarding any individual or agency promising Permanent Residency or immigration.

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