Jalandhar: The growing protest by more than 1,000 Punjabi students in Calgary over the rejection of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications has brought the spotlight back to an immigration firm in Jalandhar, which is alleged to have been associated with the educational institution attended by several of the affected students.
The students have been protesting in Calgary for nearly 10 days after receiving refusals from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). According to reports, many of them were informed that the diploma programmes they completed were classified as non-credit courses, making them ineligible for a PGWP.
The controversy has reportedly centred on the Canadian Institute of Osteopathic Therapy (CIOT), which operated through a public-private arrangement with Portage College. Students enrolled in programmes ranging from eight months to two years had reportedly paid around C$16,000 a year, expecting that their Canadian education would allow them to gain work experience after graduation.
Jalandhar connection comes under scrutiny
According to allegations, the owner of a Jalandhar-based immigration consultancy was also associated with CIOT. The individual, who is reportedly currently based in Dubai and involved in the real estate sector, could not be reached for comment despite attempts to contact him.
People known to him in Jalandhar’s immigration industry have, however, denied that he was responsible for the students’ current predicament. One associate maintained that the students were sent to Canada through legitimate processes and argued that changing Canadian immigration policies had contributed to the controversy.
Meanwhile, Canadian immigration lawyer Kanwar Sierah, who reportedly highlighted the alleged connection between the institute and the Jalandhar firm, has claimed that he received a legal notice from Jalandhar following his remarks.
Students face uncertain future
The affected students reportedly completed their programmes last year and subsequently applied for work permits. A large number of refusals were issued around the middle of July, leaving students with limited options.
With their PGWP applications rejected, the students are now seeking judicial review of the decisions and have been appealing to members of the Punjabi community in Canada for assistance.
The students say their financial stakes are substantial, with many families having spent close to C$16,000 annually on education in the hope that graduates would be able to work in Canada and eventually pursue permanent residency.
If they fail to secure relief, the students could be required to leave Canada within roughly 70 days, adding further uncertainty for families who invested significant amounts in their children’s overseas education.
Alberta premier weighs in
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has also commented on the controversy. While she declined to label Portage College a “diploma mill”, she acknowledged concerns over operators who may exploit international students through diploma-granting institutions.
Smith said students whose visas expire and who do not obtain permanent residency would ultimately have to leave Canada.
Political leaders seek intervention
The issue has also attracted attention in Punjab. Senior BJP leader Sunil Jakhar has called for transitional relief for the affected students, arguing that families made substantial financial commitments based on the rules and eligibility conditions that existed when the students enrolled.
Jakhar has urged the Ministry of External Affairs to raise the matter with Canadian authorities and seek a solution that does not leave Indian students bearing the consequences of subsequent changes or interpretations of immigration rules.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia has also voiced support for the protesters, urging External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Punjabi-origin Canadian lawmakers to intervene.
The issue gained further visibility after Punjabi singer Amrit Maan visited the protest site in Calgary and expressed solidarity with the students.
For the protesting students, the dispute is no longer simply about immigration paperwork. Many say their education, financial investment and plans for building a future in Canada are now at stake, leaving them seeking an urgent resolution from Canadian authorities.
