A major controversy involving international students in Canada has put the spotlight on an alleged Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud network, with claims that around 1,500 students, many of them from Punjab, were affected after enrolling in programs connected to Portage College in Calgary.
The dispute has also brought renewed attention to the role of immigration and education consultants in Jalandhar. Families allege that students were advised to enrol in programs that they later discovered were non-credit, creating serious problems regarding their future education and eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
However, it is important to distinguish between allegations of fraud against individual agents and the separate issue of Canadian immigration eligibility. Portage College itself has acknowledged that graduates of certain non-credit programs have received PGWP refusals.
Punjab Family Claims ₹32 Lakh Spent on Daughter’s Canada Education
A woman from Gurdaspur recently travelled to Jalandhar after allegedly discovering problems with her daughter’s Canadian education.
According to her account, she approached Pyramid e-Services in Jalandhar around two years ago to arrange her daughter’s Canadian study visa. The daughter was subsequently admitted to a Portage College-related program in Calgary.
The mother alleges that an offer letter was arranged extremely quickly and that the family ultimately spent approximately ₹32 lakh on tuition, travel and other expenses.
After nearly two years, the family claims they discovered that the course was non-credit and that the qualification did not provide the expected pathway toward a PGWP.
She alleges that her daughter is now facing the prospect of spending another two years studying at another institution if she wants to continue her educational and career plans.
The allegations have not been established by a court.
What Is the Alleged Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud?
The central allegation in the Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud controversy is that students were allegedly guided toward programs without being adequately informed about their credit status and potential immigration consequences.
According to the affected family, the student was told that the Canadian study route would provide a viable educational and career pathway.
The family alleges that the agent did not adequately explain that the particular program was non-credit.
This distinction has become extremely important because Canada’s PGWP rules do not automatically cover every program offered by a designated learning institution.
Portage College currently states that it offers both credit and non-credit programs and specifically notes that graduates of certain non-credit programs have received PGWP refusals.
Portage College Confirms PGWP Refusals for Some Non-Credit Graduates
The situation is more complicated than simply describing every affected student as having been “cheated.”
Portage College’s official website says it is aware that graduates of certain non-credit programs have received refusals when applying for Post-Graduation Work Permits. The college says Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible for immigration decisions.
The college also explains that a non-credit program is one where the credential or courses are not transferable as academic credit toward another program at an accredited Alberta post-secondary institution.
The college has further stated that some of these programs were delivered through partner institutions, including CIOT Calgary and Campbell College.
This is important for students because being enrolled at a public college does not by itself mean that every course or program will lead to PGWP eligibility.
Around 1,500 Graduates Reportedly Affected
Reports emerging in 2026 have put the number of affected international graduates at approximately 1,500, with many reportedly from India.
The controversy intensified after graduates began receiving PGWP refusals citing issues surrounding non-credit programs.
Canadian media has also reported cases of international graduates returning to India after their PGWP applications were refused.
The issue has therefore become significantly larger than one student’s complaint.
It raises questions about how international students were informed about the exact nature of their programs before paying substantial tuition and travelling to Canada.
Pyramid e-Services Had Promoted Portage College Programs
The Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud allegations have particularly drawn attention because of the reported connection between students and immigration consultants in Jalandhar.
Publicly available information shows that Pyramid e-Services has promoted study-abroad services and has listed Portage @ CIOT Calgary among the institutions available to students.
Its website describes the Calgary arrangement as a partnership through which Portage College continuing-education programs were made available in the Calgary metropolitan area.
Pyramid e-Services also publicly lists Jalandhar among its locations and says it provides study visa services for international students.
These facts establish a connection between the consultancy and the program, but they do not by themselves establish that Pyramid e-Services committed fraud.
Any allegation against a particular consultant or employee would need to be investigated and supported by evidence.
Woman Accuses Agents of Hiding the Course Status
According to the affected mother, the family was not properly informed that the course was non-credit.
She alleges that the agents focused on getting the student to Canada quickly and provided an offer letter within a day.
The family claims that documents were not adequately explained before the student travelled.
The mother further alleges that after the problems became apparent, representatives identified as Sunil, Natasha and Kajal became difficult to reach.
She says the family has now begun considering a police complaint and possible legal proceedings.
At present, these remain allegations from the affected family.
Why Non-Credit Status Matters for Canadian Students
The Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud controversy demonstrates why students must understand the difference between a study permit and a post-study work opportunity.
A study permit allows an eligible international student to study in Canada, subject to the applicable rules. A PGWP is a separate immigration benefit with its own eligibility requirements.
Portage College’s current information specifically states that certain non-credit programs are not eligible for PGWP. For example, its Global Leadership & Management Essentials program is described as non-credit and explicitly states that it is not eligible for a PGWP. (portagecollege.ca)
Students therefore cannot assume that a program is PGWP-eligible simply because it is associated with a Canadian public college.
Earlier Jalandhar Immigration Fraud Cases
The current controversy has also revived memories of previous immigration-fraud investigations in Jalandhar.
According to the information provided in the report, Jalandhar police had conducted raids on six immigration centres in 2016 and arrested seven travel agents. Police reportedly registered six FIRs and recovered more than ₹56 lakh in unaccounted cash, along with passports, computers and other documents.
The report also alleges that investigators at the time uncovered claims involving advance payments, forged loan letters, bank statements and stamps.
Those historical cases are separate from the current Portage College controversy and should not be treated as evidence against any present-day individual unless established by the relevant investigation.
Students Must Verify PGWP Eligibility Before Paying
The Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud allegations offer an important lesson for prospective international students: never rely solely on an agent’s verbal promise regarding post-study work opportunities.
Before paying tuition, students should independently verify:
- The exact name of the Canadian institution.
- The exact program and credential.
- Whether the program is credit or non-credit.
- Current PGWP eligibility.
- The program’s duration.
- Whether the program is delivered directly by the institution or through a partner.
- Tuition and refund policies.
- The institution’s official admission information.
- Current IRCC requirements.
Students should save screenshots and copies of the information available when they apply because immigration rules can change.
Do Not Confuse a College, Program and Immigration Outcome
One of the biggest lessons from the Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud controversy is that three separate things must be checked independently: the institution, the program and the immigration outcome.
A legitimate Canadian college can offer programs that have different immigration consequences.
Similarly, an education consultant can assist with an application, but the consultant cannot guarantee that IRCC will ultimately issue a PGWP.
Portage College itself has advised affected graduates to consult an authorized immigration lawyer or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant for individual immigration advice.
Families Prepare for Police and Legal Action
The affected family from Gurdaspur says it is preparing to approach the police if the consultancy does not provide a satisfactory response.
The family claims that approximately ₹32 lakh was spent on the student’s Canadian education and that the daughter now faces significant uncertainty over her future.
The mother says she wants the authorities to determine whether students were properly informed about the nature of their programs before they paid their fees and travelled to Canada.
If formal complaints are filed, investigators would need to examine the agreements, invoices, counselling records, admission documents, communications and representations allegedly made to students.
What Students Should Do Now
For students already enrolled in a disputed program, the safest approach is to obtain independent advice rather than relying solely on social-media posts or agents.
Students should collect:
- Offer letters.
- Admission agreements.
- Tuition receipts.
- Program descriptions.
- Emails and WhatsApp conversations with consultants.
- Any written PGWP promises.
- College correspondence.
- Study-permit documents.
- PGWP refusal letters, if applicable.
These records can help establish exactly what information was provided when the student enrolled.
Investigation and Accountability Will Be Crucial
The Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud allegations now raise broader questions about transparency in the overseas education industry.
The dispute involves substantial financial investment by families and potentially years of students’ lives.
At the same time, the non-credit and PGWP issue involves Canadian immigration rules that must be distinguished from allegations of misconduct by individual consultants.
Any police complaint should therefore be investigated on the basis of documentary evidence rather than assumptions.
If authorities find that students were deliberately misled about a program’s nature or immigration prospects, appropriate legal action would follow under the applicable laws.
Key Facts Of Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Location linked to agents | Jalandhar, Punjab |
| Canadian location | Calgary, Alberta |
| Institution | Portage College / partner-delivered programs |
| Reported affected graduates | Around 1,500 |
| Family’s alleged expenditure | Approximately ₹32 lakh |
| Main concern | Non-credit program and PGWP eligibility |
| Consultancy mentioned | Pyramid e-Services |
| Current status | Student complaints and wider PGWP controversy |
| Police complaint | Family says it is preparing to approach police |
| Legal status | Allegations require investigation |
FAQs : Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud
What is the Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud controversy?
The Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud controversy concerns allegations from affected students and families that some students were advised to enrol in Canadian programs without adequate information about their non-credit status and possible PGWP consequences.
How many students are reportedly affected in Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud?
Reports have put the number at around 1,500 international graduates, many of them Indian students.
What happened to the student’s PGWP eligibility?
Portage College has acknowledged that graduates of certain non-credit programs have received PGWP refusals.
Is every Portage College program non-credit?
No. Portage College lists both credit and non-credit programs. Its current international-student information includes programs such as Business Administration, Computer Programming and Practical Nursing, while separately noting non-credit offerings through partner institutions.
Is Pyramid e-Services proven to have committed Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud?
No. The supplied allegations and current reporting do not establish guilt. Pyramid e-Services publicly lists Portage-related programs and study-visa services, but any allegation of fraud against the company or an individual must be established through evidence and due legal process.
Why is a non-credit course important?
Non-credit status can affect whether a graduate qualifies for a PGWP. Portage College currently states that some graduates of non-credit programs have received PGWP refusals.
What should prospective students verify?
Students should independently verify the exact program, credential, credit status and current PGWP eligibility directly through the institution and official Canadian immigration information before paying tuition.
Final Takeaway On Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud
The Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Fraud controversy highlights the enormous financial and personal risks involved when students depend entirely on immigration agents for their Canadian education decisions.
The reported ₹32 lakh loss claimed by one family is significant, but the larger issue is whether students were adequately informed about the nature of their programs before they committed substantial amounts of money.
Official Portage College information confirms that certain non-credit graduates have faced PGWP refusals, while IRCC remains responsible for immigration decisions.
For students planning to study in Canada, the rule is simple: verify the institution, verify the exact program, verify its credit status and independently check current PGWP eligibility before paying.
Source : Dainik Bhaskar
Read About : Basti Indonesia Visa Fraud: ₹38,000 Allegedly Lost to Fake Visa and Flight Ticket
