Punjab Govt seeks Centre’s intervention as 1,500 Punjabi students face Canada work permit crisis
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 7, 2026: Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh on Friday said the Punjab Government will make every possible effort to protect the interests of around 1,500 Punjabi students reportedly affected by the post-study work permit crisis in Canada.
Addressing a press conference and speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the minister said the state government is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to supporting the affected students.
Dr. Ravjot Singh said he has written to Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking an early meeting to discuss the issue. He urged the Centre to take up the matter with the Canadian government through diplomatic channels to ensure timely relief for the students.
The minister said many students had invested nearly Rs 20 lakh each to pursue higher education in Canada after being assured they would be eligible for post-study work permits upon completing their two-year academic programmes. However, he said the refusal of a large number of work permit applications has left many facing financial, legal and emotional hardships.
He added that several affected students have approached him directly for assistance, and assured them that the Punjab Government is committed to extending all possible support.
Dr. Ravjot Singh said that as many students have already moved the Federal Court of Canada, the Punjab Government is also exploring the possibility of facilitating common legal representation, if required, to reduce the financial burden on the affected students.
The minister also appealed to Members of Parliament of Punjabi origin in Canada to rise above political differences and collectively raise the issue with the Canadian government.
Reaffirming the state government's commitment, Dr. Ravjot Singh said the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government will continue working with the Union Government and other stakeholders to safeguard the interests of Punjabis and Punjabi students living abroad.