Latest Updates
September 1, 2026, 2:40 P.M. MT:
Portage College has provided students who have graduated in 2026 from CIOT or Campbell College with immediate online access to the MyCreds app.
The MyCreds app provides students with one convenient place to receive, store and share their digitized transcripts, credential letters and other academic documents from Canadian post-secondary institutions. It’s a secure, personalized digital wallet that holds authentic documents that are cryptographically signed to prevent tampering. The documents can be shared with institutions, organizations or recipients selected by the app user.
Information about how eligible CIOT and Campbell College graduates can access documents and share information is on the Portage College website. Instructional videos and more information are available directly on the MyCreds website.
Providing access to the MyCreds app is a standard administrative process delivered by Portage College for eligible CIOT and Campbell College students.
August 18, 2026, 11:30 A.M. MT:
This update provides a new avenue for communication for international Portage College graduates seeking a PGWP. Please read on for detail.
We are continuing to hear that graduates of non-credit programs from Portage College and our partner institutions are receiving refusals when they apply for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). We understand the frustration of our graduates, particularly when some former students receive a PGWP and others do not.
IRCC decisions are completely out of the control of Portage College. Immigration is a federal government responsibility. As we have said in previous updates, students should consult either an authorized immigration lawyer or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.
Graduates who are caught in this situation can also contact their federal Member of Parliament (MP). MPs are elected to represent their local constituents, and they can sometimes help people navigate the federal government, or advocate on a constituent’s behalf.
To find out who is your MP, you can visit this House of Commons website and enter your postal code in the search box. From there, click on the MP’s name, and then on the name of their constituency. You will then have the mailing address and phone number of the local constituency office. We recommend writing a letter to your MP explaining the specific facts of your situation. Ask whether the MP could take up your case with IRCC. There is no advantage to sending more than one letter. If you are calling the MP’s office, explain the situation to the staff person who answers the phone. There is no need to speak directly to the MP.
Again, we recognize that this is a difficult situation for our graduates. We are surprised by the recent IRCC rejections of PGWP applications and we will continue to do all we can to assist our graduates as they seek work permits in Canada.
August 6, 2026, 3:10 P.M. MT:
Sorting through social media posts and opinion-based commentary on the IRCC issue relating to Post Graduation Work Permits can be challenging – and sometimes misleading. We encourage affected graduates to follow fact-based information sources like our PGWP web pages and certified immigration specialists. Portage College continues to look for clarification on the issue.
“We are continuing to seek clarification on the Post Graduation Work Permit issue. As each day goes by, we understand the uncertainty that grows for many of our affected graduates as we endeavour to clarify factual and sourced details. We remain committed to informing the public about new developments to the issue,” says Portage College Vice President Academics and Research Dr. Donna Feledichuk. “We also encourage affected graduates to seek professional advice from certified immigration specialists.”
July 24, 2026, 12:00 P.M. MT:
Portage College is aware that some of our former partner campuses in Calgary and Edmonton are in the process of closing their physical locations.
These closures are occurring as part of the planned conclusion of former partnership arrangements and are not related to recent Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) decisions.
We are aware that some graduates have questioned whether these closures are related to recent Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) decisions. They are not. The conclusion of these partnership arrangements has been planned and underway since 2024.
As these partnerships concluded, no new students were enrolled, and students already in progress were provided with the opportunity to complete their programs. This planned transition has been underway since early May 2024, when students were no longer admitted for the partnership programming.
We want to reassure graduates that Portage College remains available to support you. Regardless of where your program was delivered, you are a Portage College graduate, and we remain committed to assisting you with questions related to academic records, transcripts, completion letters, and other College-issued documents.
If you require assistance, please contact:
Portage College International Student Services
international@portagecollege.ca
Additional information regarding PGWP-related inquiries can be found on this webpage.
July 21, 2026, 10:00 P.M. MT:
Today, Portage College met with a significant number of graduates from CIOT and Campbell College who travelled from Calgary and Edmonton to share their experiences and concerns regarding recent Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) decisions.
We sincerely thank everyone who took the time to travel and meet with us. We appreciate the respectful and constructive dialogue and recognize the uncertainty many graduates are experiencing.
Portage College continues to seek clarification regarding this issue and remains committed to providing factual information and keeping students informed as new information becomes available.
To ensure ongoing communication, we have scheduled a follow-up meeting with representatives from the group next week. This meeting will provide an opportunity to continue our dialogue, answer questions where we are able, and share any new information that becomes available.
We appreciate your patience and continued engagement as we work through this evolving situation together.
July 20, 2026, 3:00 P.M. MT:
We continue to speak with relevant immigration authorities. Students seeking advice should consult either an authorized immigration lawyer or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. We will continue working throughout the week to gather more information. Any confirmed information relevant to students will be posted on this page.
July 17, 2026, 3:10 P.M. MT:
Portage College continues to hear from graduates who are navigating their PGWP applications. Portage continues to work with relevant immigration authorities. We have been able to connect with the appropriate federal bodies. As we learn more, we will post it to this page. We will continue working through the weekend to gather more information.
July 15, 2026, 10:00 P.M. MT:
Following legal advice received by Portage College, we have been advised that a letter of support from the College would not be relevant to the assessment of Post-Graduation Work Permit applications. As a result, the College is not issuing letters of support for these applications. Completion letters are the recommended documents to send on behalf of the College. The previous letter provided is not legal advice, does not constitute a representation by the College to IRCC on behalf of an individual student, and does not confirm or guarantee PGWP eligibility or any other immigration outcome. Affected students should obtain independent advice from either an authorized immigration lawyer or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant promptly because legal and immigration processes may be subject to time limits.
July 14, 2026, 4:00 P.M. MT:
Portage College is aware that some graduates of certain non-credit programs have received refusals of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications, including applications that included a letter issued by the College.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses each application individually and is solely responsible for determining eligibility and issuing immigration decisions. Portage College does not make immigration decisions, act as a representative in individual immigration matters, participate in legal proceedings on behalf of students, or guarantee that a program, document, or letter will result in any particular immigration outcome.
The College is seeking information and clarification from relevant government and sector contacts regarding the application of PGWP requirements to graduates of the affected programs. Any confirmed information that may be relevant to students will be posted on this page.
Immigration Information and Independent Advice
Portage College may provide factual information about College programs, enrolment records, completion documents, and institutional processes. The College cannot assess an individual’s immigration status or eligibility, recommend a legal strategy, prepare a reconsideration request, or provide immigration or legal advice.
Students seeking advice should consult either an authorized immigration lawyer or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.
For information purposes only, students may contact Warwick Immigration Canada, an independent immigration consulting firm, regarding immigration advice:
• Email: cbaier@warwickimmigrationcanada.ca
• Direct line: 587-405-4012
• WhatsApp: 780-399-7489
Portage College has no affiliation with Warwick Immigration Canada. The contact information above is provided solely as a convenience and does not constitute a referral, endorsement, representation, or guarantee by the College concerning Warwick Immigration Canada, its services, or any immigration outcome. Students remain free to retain any immigration lawyer or licensed immigration consultant of their choice and should independently confirm the professional’s authorization and standing before retaining services. Portage College does not direct or supervise any external immigration professional and is not responsible for advice provided or for the outcome of any immigration matter.
Documents to Retain
Students should keep copies of all relevant documents, including:
• Study permits
• Letters of acceptance
• Enrolment records
• Program completion documents
• Transcripts
• PGWP applications
• IRCC refusal letters and officer notes, if available
• Correspondence with IRCC or an authorized immigration representative
These records may be relevant to any future application, request for reconsideration, or other process undertaken on the advice of an authorized immigration professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my PGWP application refused?
IRCC assesses each application individually. Students should review the reasons stated in the refusal letter and any available officer notes. Questions about the legal effect of a refusal or available options should be directed to an authorized immigration professional.
Is Portage College aware of these refusals?
Yes. Portage College is aware that some graduates have received PGWP refusals and encourage affected students to seek legal advice.
Can Portage College overturn or change an IRCC decision?
No. IRCC has sole authority over immigration decisions. Portage College cannot approve, reverse, vary, or require reconsideration of an IRCC decision.
Does a Portage College letter confirm PGWP eligibility?
No. A College letter provides factual institutional information only. It does not establish eligibility and does not guarantee approval of a PGWP or any other immigration application.
Should I submit a reconsideration request or take another step?
Students should obtain independent advice promptly because legal and immigration processes may be subject to time limits.
Is Portage College acting as a legal representative or participating in a student’s immigration proceeding?
No. Portage College does not act as an immigration representative, commence or participate in legal proceedings on behalf of individual students, or provide legal submissions about an individual case. Any student who wishes to pursue a legal or immigration process must do so independently or through an authorized representative.
Where can I find official PGWP information?
Students should consult the current Government of Canada and IRCC materials regarding PGWP eligibility and requirements. Because immigration rules and guidance may change, students should rely on the current official information and obtain independent advice about their individual circumstances.
What is the difference between “credit” and “non-credit” courses?
A non-credit program is one in which the credential earned or the courses taken with thin the program are not transferable as credit towards other programs at another accredited Alberta post-secondary institution. A credit program and the courses within it, by comparison, offers credentials to graduates that can go toward further education when graduates are transferring between institutions through the Transfer Alberta system.
What was the nature of your relationship with Campbell College and CIOT?
From March 2022 until the conclusion of the partnership agreements earlier this year, private partner institutions Campbell College in Edmonton and CIOT in Calgary worked with Portage College to deliver designated non-credit Portage College programs. Students completing these programs through the partnership received a certificate or diploma issued by Portage College. Portage College recognizes these learners as Portage College graduates.
Where can I find mental health support?
211 Alberta: https://ab.211.ca/
College Contact Information
Questions limited to Portage College records, program information, or institutional processes may be directed to:
International Student Services
international@portagecollege.ca
Important Note
Due to the volume of inquiries, response times may be longer than usual. College staff cannot provide advice about individual immigration strategies or outcomes. Inquiries involving a specific immigration decision, legal question, deadline, or immigration status should be directed to an authorized immigration professional.
Previous Updates
September 1, 2026
Update posted.
August 18, 2026
Update posted.
August 6, 2026
Update posted.
July 24, 2026
Update posted.
July 21, 2026
Update posted.
July 20, 2026:
Update posted.
July 17, 2026:
Update posted.
July 15, 2026:
Edits made to this webpage include:
The college letter information was deleted, and additional information was added to explain the reasons for its removal.
Deleted redundant FAQ information contained on the webpage.
July 14, 2026:
Webpage published July 14, 2026, 4:00 P.M. MT.