Immigration penalties not to be levied for overseas students due to college strike

Immigration penalties will not be levied for overseas students due to college strike by faculty members in Ontario assured the Immigration officials. They said that overseas students will not face immigration penalties for the delay caused due to factors beyond their control.

Overseas students have said that the stoppage of work by faculty members have caused anxiety. They are worried not just about finances but for their education and immigration status as well. Thomas a 24-year-old HRM student at Ontario’s Confederation College said that this is very stressful.

Thomas arrived as an overseas student from India 2 years ago. He revealed that each week lost due to strike means loss of 800 dollars for tuition fees. This is not inclusive of the additional rent money to be spent if the semester is delayed.

The student who has a job at Ontario’s Liquor Control Board said that dilemma over the strike duration prevents students from setting up extra shifts. He said that schools must give refunds to the students for the loss of time. This sentiment has been echoed by both domestic and overseas students alike. They have signed a petition for this that has already garnered 100, 000 signatures.

Several colleges in Ontario have expressed hope that the strike will end soon, as quoted by the CTV News. 40,000 overseas students are enrolled at colleges in Ontario. Officials at Confederation colleges, George Brown, and Humber stressed the availability of support services for overseas students. This includes their study permits or visas.

International admissions and student services Associate Director at Humber College Kim Smith said that they are yet to start the process for refunds. Around 5,000 overseas students are enrolled in the college.

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