International graduate in Calgary returning to India after work permit denied
Posted Aug 17, 2026 8:07 am.
Last Updated Aug 17, 2026 10:04 am.
A Portage College graduate in Calgary is returning home to India following the denial of his Post Graduation Work permit, saying he can’t afford to take out another loan.
“It would be a better decision to go back to India and start something of my own,” Samir Garhwal told CityNews, adding many of his peers are leaving the country in a worse position they arrived after many of their post graduation work permits were denied.
In May 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada implemented changes to the criteria of the post graduate work permit, excluding non-credit programs.
Garhwal says he and many others believed they were in the clear because they were enrolled in the program prior to the changes. As a result, many Portage College students in non-credit programs have recently protested outside the institution’s Calgary and Edmonton locations after their permits were denied.
Garhwal adds that they were able to work while studying, but since the rejections they have no way of earning income.
“Everybody had plans. Like after completing the studying we were relaxed that when we get the work permit we’ll get some Canadian experience and start to build our future,” Garhwal said, “I already incur education loan back in India and in my current situation i am not willing to or don’t have enough courage to get another.”
Garhwal has appealed the refusal, but he doesn’t know when to expect the result.
“If the bills are coming you are spending all the money but there’s no money coming. So I eventually saw myself that going back home is a good decision for me.”
In an update on their website, the college’s vice president issued a statement.
“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.”
