Students Claim College Made Them Campaign for Conservative
When Yanisa Kapetch moved from Thailand to Canada to study digital media at a private college, Pacific Link College in British Columbia, she never anticipated her journey would take such an unexpected turn. In December 2024, instead of regular classes, students were asked to volunteer for a Conservative candidate’s campaign during a federal byelection.
Yanisa, along with another student, found it perplexing. They expressed their discomfort in emails, sharing that the campaign work felt unrelated to their education and wondering why it was framed as a course requirement. The school’s communication hinted that participating might even bolster their chances for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada.
What is Permanent Residency (PR)? PR allows someone to live and work in Canada on a permanent basis, providing access to many of the same rights as a citizen.
Despite the school’s assertion that participation was optional, both students felt compelled to engage due to pressure tied to their academic standing. They reported that if they didn’t attend, their attendance could suffer, potentially impacting their grades.
Pacific Link College’s administration denied any wrongdoing, stating that volunteer opportunities were voluntary and not political in nature. However, around this time, potential benefits for studying in Canada were being discussed widely, including how involvement in community activities could enhance applications for PR—a common concern among international students.
The progression from studying to securing a job opportunity in Canada can sometimes hinge on experiences like these, albeit appropriately aligned with one’s field of study. If you’re exploring job opportunities from overseas, it’s important to seek positions that directly support your educational goals and visa pathways.
How to Get Sponsored to Work in Canada involves several pathways, including the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which assesses how a hiring foreign worker will affect the Canadian job market, and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), allowing provinces to nominate individuals for PR based on their skilled labour needs.
In Yanisa’s case, the school’s messaging about the campaign hinted that connections with local political figures could assist in future immigration applications. It suggested that a recommendation from an MLA—Member of the Legislative Assembly—could indeed be valuable for those seeking pathways to PR, even if immigration specialists argue that such recommendations hold little weight compared to actual work experience.
Generically, the process of obtaining job offers that come with sponsorship largely revolves around the skills you can bring to the table. Websites like VisaJobsCanada.com focus specifically on Canadian jobs that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants, making it easier for you to connect with opportunities tailored to your qualifications.
Despite Yanisa’s concerns, she was not alone; local advocacy groups highlight that many international students experience similar challenges. There is a growing recognition that students should have better support and clearer protection from potentially exploitative practices, especially when financial investment in education is significant.
While the B.C. provincial government has noted that they can take action against schools if students are compelled to engage in non-academic activities, the enforcement can vary. Regular inspections and student feedback channels could greatly improve the situation, fostering a better educational landscape for international students.
It’s important for anyone considering studying in Canada to research their potential institutions thoroughly. Look for schools with solid accountability, clear expectations, and positive reviews from past students.
As you embark on your Canadian journey, remember that aligning your education with legitimate work opportunities can pave the way towards securing work permits in Canada and, ultimately, PR.
If you have further questions or want to share experiences about working in Canada, we’d love to hear from you. Drop your thoughts or questions below. We read every comment and reply when we can.