Canada’s latest measures to tighten immigration regulations are poised to have far-reaching consequences for tens of thousands of international students and workers, particularly those from India.
The newly implemented rules, which took effect at the beginning of February, grant Canadian border officials broad discretionary powers to alter visa statuses, reject applications, and even cancel existing permits at any time, reports NDTV.
Under the revised Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, border authorities are now empowered to deny or rescind temporary resident documents, including electronic travel authorisations (eTAs), temporary resident visas (TRVs), work permits, and student visas.
These changes allow immigration officers to revoke such documents even after an individual has already entered the country, should they determine that the person is unlikely to leave Canada upon the expiry of their authorised stay.
The sweeping powers vested in border officials introduce an element of unpredictability that could impact hundreds of thousands of international students and workers.
In practical terms, the new regulations mean that individuals found in violation—or deemed unlikely to comply with visa conditions—could be denied entry at Canadian ports and immediately deported.
If a permit is cancelled while a person is already residing in Canada, they will be served a notice to leave the country within a specified timeframe.
The impact of these regulations extends beyond students and workers.
Canada also hosts a substantial influx of Indian tourists, all of whom require temporary permits. In the first six months of 2024 alone, more than 3.6 lakh Indians were issued travel visas, with a comparable figure of 3.4 lakh recorded in the same period in 2023.
Those affected by these policy changes will receive official notifications via email and their Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accounts.
However, concerns remain over financial losses, as there is no clarity on the fate of funds already invested in education, accommodation, or other financial commitments such as mortgages and rent in the event of sudden visa cancellations.
These developments come just three months after Canada’s controversial decision in November 2024 to shut down the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, a preferred route for Indian students that allowed them to secure their education by guaranteeing funds upfront.
The cumulative effect of these stringent policies signals a tougher stance on immigration, leaving thousands uncertain about their future in Canada.
