Ottawa has implemented new immigration regulations, giving Canadian border officials greater authority to revoke study and work permits under specific conditions. These changes could impact thousands of Indian students, workers, and tourists. With the suspension of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program last year, Canada’s stricter oversight may lead to delays, financial setbacks, and uncertainty for many.
The newly amended Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, effective January 31, allow officials to cancel temporary resident documents such as electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs) under certain circumstances.
Increased Scrutiny for Foreign Nationals
The new regulations are expected to affect thousands of international residents, particularly Indian students, employees, and temporary visitors. Canada remains a popular destination for higher education among Indian students, with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reporting approximately 427,000 Indian students currently studying in Canada.
Grounds for Visa Cancellation
Under the revised rules, Canadian immigration and border officers now have the authority to revoke eTAs, TRVs, work permits, and study permits if:
- An individual’s circumstances change, making them ineligible or inadmissible—for example, due to providing false information, having a criminal record, or being deceased.
- An officer is unconvinced that the person will leave Canada after their authorized stay expires.
- The document is lost, stolen, destroyed, or issued in error.
- A temporary resident transitions to permanent residency.
Additionally, the policy ensures that only immigration and border authorities can cancel these visas, preventing unauthorized interventions.
Impact on Foreign Nationals and Students
According to reports, these regulations will result in the cancellation of approximately 7,000 additional temporary resident visas, work permits, and study permits annually. Foreign nationals, including Indians, whose permits are revoked may face entry restrictions at Canadian ports or be required to leave the country.
Between January and July 2024 alone, Canada issued 365,750 visitor visas to Indian nationals, surpassing the 345,631 visas issued during the same period in 2023. With these new rules in effect, the potential financial impact on affected individuals remains a significant concern. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that those impacted will be notified through their IRCC account or email.
Stricter Immigration Measures Continue
These regulatory changes align with Canada’s broader strategy to tighten immigration policies.
In November 2024, the Canadian government suspended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, a preferred option for Indian students seeking faster visa processing. Launched in 2018, SDS required students from select countries, including India, to demonstrate financial stability by paying tuition upfront and securing Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) for living expenses.
Following the SDS suspension, officials reassured students that they could still apply for a Regular Study Permit, allowing them to pay tuition in installments. However, the newly introduced visa cancellation rules could create further complications, particularly for international students who rely on study permits to complete their education or transition to work permits post-graduation.