Iranian PhD Candidate Challenges Canadian Study Permit Denial on Security Grounds

According to ctvnews an Iranian student, Reza Jahantigh, is contesting the Canadian government's refusal to grant him a study permit for a PhD in computer engineering at Montreal's École de technologie supérieure.

Jahantigh, who has already completed initial semesters online from Iran, requires physical attendance for the rest of his doctorate. The Immigration Department's decision, citing security concerns due to Jahantigh's past military service in Iran and his employment at a private firm, has led him to seek judicial review in Federal Court.

His lawyer, Samin Mortazavi, argues there's no evidence of Jahantigh posing a security threat to Canada. The case highlights Canada's increased scrutiny over academics for national security, particularly in sensitive research areas.

Despite Jahantigh's efforts to clarify his background, including mandatory military service and work in video game development, his permit was denied on security grounds, reflecting Canada's broader concerns about foreign exploitation of its intellectual and economic assets.

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