'I Don't Have Courage to Take Another Loan': Indian Student in Canada Faces Uncertainty After Work Permit Denial

Samir Garhwal, an Indian student who pursued his degree at Canada's Portage College, finds himself in a precarious situation after being denied a post-graduation work permit.

Garhwal, who arrived in Canada two years ago with an education loan, stated he is now in a worse position than when he started. He and thousands of other students from Portage College face the difficult choice of returning to India or pursuing costly legal challenges against the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decision.

Initially, students were anticipating their work permits to begin their careers in Canada. However, a widespread rejection of permits has led to protests against the college and Canadian immigration authorities. A rule change in 2024 made many courses at Portage College ineligible for work permits, affecting students who enrolled before the change and were unaware of the implications.

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I already took an education loan in India, and in my current situation, I am not willing to or don't have the courage to get another loan.

"I already took an education loan in India, and in my current situation, I am not willing to or don't have the courage to get another loan," Garhwal confessed. He has launched a fundraiser to help pay off his existing education loan, detailing his journey and aspirations for a better future in Canada that now seem uncertain.

Portage College stated it is seeking clarification on the work permit denials and remains committed to updating affected graduates. The college also advises graduates to consult with certified immigration specialists. Reports indicate a connection between a partner college and a recruitment firm whose director faced an investigation in India for alleged student immigration fraud.

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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.