The Government of Canada has introduced new visa regulations, effective from February 2025, granting border officials greater authority to modify or revoke the visa status of international students, workers, and migrants as deemed necessary. These changes are expected to have a significant impact on Indian nationals, including students, workers, and tourists.
Overview of the New Visa Regulations
Under the updated Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Canadian border personnel now have the discretion to deny or cancel temporary resident documents such as:
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Electronic Travel Authorisations (eTAs)
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Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs)
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Work permits
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Student visas
These changes provide border officials with the authority to cancel documents on a case-by-case basis. If an officer is not convinced that an individual will leave Canada upon the expiration of their authorised stay, they can refuse entry or annul the permit, even if the individual is already present in the country.
Key Reasons for Visa Rejection or Cancellation
The new regulations outline specific circumstances under which visas, work permits, or student permits can be denied or revoked:
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Restriction on Status: If an individual’s status or circumstances change, making them ineligible to hold the document.
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False Information: If an individual provides false information or has a criminal history.
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Overstaying: If an officer believes an individual will not leave Canada upon the expiration of their visa.
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Lost or Abandoned Documents: If a document is lost, stolen, destroyed, or abandoned.
These stringent measures are aimed at ensuring compliance with Canada's immigration policies and reducing instances of visa misuse.
Impact on Indian Nationals
- Impact on Students and Workers
Indian students and workers are among the largest groups of temporary residents in Canada. According to government data, over 420,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Canada. With the new visa rules in place, these students may face greater scrutiny regarding their eligibility to stay in the country. If a student or worker’s permit is cancelled, they will receive an official notice to leave Canada by a specified date.
- Impact on Tourists
Indian tourists visiting Canada may also be affected by these regulatory changes. In the first half of 2024, Canada issued travel visas to more than 360,000 Indian tourists. Under the new rules, border officials will have the power to reject or cancel their temporary permits if they are deemed ineligible. Those impacted will receive notifications via email and their Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) account.
Discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Programme
In a related development, the Government of Canada has announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme in November 2024. The SDS programme previously allowed international students from select countries, including India, to obtain study permits through a streamlined process. The decision to end the programme was made to address challenges related to housing and resource allocation.
These policy changes reflect Canada’s evolving approach to immigration and border control. The new visa rules introduce additional uncertainties for international students, workers, and tourists, particularly those from India. Individuals planning to move to or stay in Canada must stay updated on these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential visa cancellations.
With inputs from agencies
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