Canada has introduced significant changes to its immigration regulations with the implementation of the revised Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations on January 31. These new rules grant immigration and border authorities expanded powers to cancel temporary resident documents such as electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs). The amendments are expected to impact thousands of foreign nationals each year, with a significant number of affected individuals being Indian students, employees, and visitors. Given that Canada is a preferred destination for higher education among Indian students—around 4,27,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Canadian institutions—these changes could have far-reaching consequences.
Under the revised rules, Canadian immigration officials now have broader discretion to cancel eTAs, TRVs, work permits, and study permits under specific circumstances. These include cases where an individual becomes ineligible due to changed circumstances, such as providing false information, having a criminal record, or even being deceased. Officials may also revoke permits if they determine that an individual is unlikely to leave Canada upon the expiration of their authorized stay. Additionally, documents can be canceled if they are lost, stolen, destroyed, or issued due to an administrative error. A notable change is that students who are denied a study permit can have their temporary resident documents revoked, potentially forcing them to leave Canada.
The impact of these amendments is expected to be substantial. According to reports, nearly 7,000 additional temporary resident visas, work permits, and study permits could be canceled under these new provisions. This means that many foreign nationals, including Indians, could find themselves in legal limbo, facing potential deportation or being prohibited from entering Canadian ports. The changes also raise concerns over financial losses for students and travelers who might have invested significant amounts in tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs only to have their permits unexpectedly revoked. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have assured that affected individuals will be notified via their IRCC accounts or email, but concerns remain about the transparency and fairness of the process.
These regulatory changes are part of a broader trend in Canada’s tightening immigration policies. In late 2024, the government suspended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, a streamlined visa process that had been in place since 2018 and was particularly beneficial for Indian students. The SDS required applicants to demonstrate financial stability by prepaying tuition fees and securing guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) for living expenses. While concerns initially arose over potential delays in study permit processing, officials reassured students that they could still apply under the Regular Study Permit system, which allows tuition payments in installments. However, with the new rules allowing study permits to be revoked, students may now face even greater uncertainty regarding their ability to complete their education and transition to work permits post-graduation.
Beyond students, these new immigration policies could also affect a large number of Indian tourists. Canada has seen a rise in visitor visas issued to Indian nationals, with 3,65,750 visitor visas granted between January and July 2024—surpassing the 3,45,631 issued during the same period in 2023. The stricter rules may result in higher rejection rates or cancellations, affecting family visits, business trips, and tourism.
With Canada taking a tougher stance on immigration, the landscape for foreign nationals—especially students and temporary workers—is becoming increasingly complex. Experts suggest that prospective immigrants and students should exercise greater caution while planning their move, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and that they remain updated on evolving policies to avoid unexpected cancellations or legal complications. The long-term impact of these regulations remains to be seen, but for now, they signal a shift toward a more stringent immigration framework in Canada.
