Canada has introduced significant immigration policy changes, granting border officials expanded powers to cancel study permits, work permits, and visitor visas.
The new regulations, which took effect on January 31, 2025, are raising concerns among international travellers, particularly Indian students and workers.
Under the revised Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Canadian border officials now have broader authority to revoke Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs), Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), and Study and Work Permits. This shift comes at a time when Canada remains a top destination for higher education.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), approximately 427,000 Indian students were studying in Canada as of 2024, while 365,750 visitor visas were issued to Indian applicants between January and July 2024.
Adding to the challenges, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which offered expedited visa processing for international students, was discontinued in late 2024.
The program required applicants to demonstrate financial readiness, such as proof of tuition payment and Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs).
Under the new rules, visas and permits can be revoked if false information was provided during the application process, if the applicant has a criminal record if the traveller has passed away, and if border officers doubt the individual will leave Canada after their authorized stay, if the document was lost, stolen, or issued in error, if a temporary resident gains permanent residency, or if an international student is denied a work or study permit renewal.
With these changes, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expects to cancel an additional 7,000 temporary resident visas, study permits, and work permits annually.
If a visa or permit is revoked upon arrival, the traveller will be denied entry and sent back to their home country. If an individual’s permit is cancelled while they are already in Canada, they will receive a notice to leave the country by a specified date. Affected individuals will be informed via their IRCC account or email.
To avoid complications, travellers planning to study, work, or visit Canada should regularly check their IRCC account and email for updates. They should also ensure all submitted information is accurate and documents are valid while staying updated on Canada’s latest immigration policies.
