Breaking: Canada Introduces Stricter Visa Rules – Are You Affected?

The Canadian government has announced new regulations affecting temporary residents as part of efforts to strengthen border security and immigration policies. These changes empower immigration officials to cancel temporary resident documents under specific conditions.

Key Changes in Immigration Regulations

Effective February 12, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced updates to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. These updates allow for the cancellation of various temporary resident documents, including:

• Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs)
• Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs)
• Work Permits
• Study Permits

Officials may revoke these documents if they determine that an individual is unlikely to leave Canada once their authorized stay expires.

Impact on Temporary Residents

Despite these changes, Canada remains open to welcoming visitors, students, and workers from around the world. However, all temporary residents must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. To enter Canada, individuals must possess a valid TRV or eTA, while those seeking to study or work must hold the appropriate permits.

According to government estimates, the new rules may lead to approximately 7,000 additional cancellations of temporary resident documents, impacting both current international students and new applicants.

Implications for International Students

Canada has set a limit of 437,000 study permits for 2025, as part of efforts to manage the rising number of international students. The decision follows reports that around 50,000 international students who applied for study permits in previous years failed to enroll in their designated schools.

Data from early 2024 indicates that the highest number of non-compliant student applicants originated from countries such as India, China, Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana, and Iran. The new rules are expected to affect students who:

• Lack valid residency documents
• Have overstayed their approved period in Canada
• Are found to have applied using fraudulent information

Reasons for Temporary Visa Cancellation

The IRCC has outlined several circumstances under which a temporary visa may be revoked:

1. Ineligibility

• Individuals found ineligible due to criminal history or misrepresentation may have their visas canceled.
• If an eTA holder becomes ineligible, the authorization can be revoked.

2. Overstaying

• If immigration officers believe an individual will overstay their authorized period, they may cancel the visa.
• eTAs will also be canceled if the associated passport or travel document is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

3. Document Issues

• Temporary visas may be revoked if the documents used to obtain them are damaged, stolen, or lost.

4. Administrative Errors or Status Changes

• If a visa was issued by mistake, immigration authorities have the right to cancel it.
• In cases where a visa holder passes away, the visa will be invalidated.
• Those who obtain permanent residency will also have their temporary status revoked.

Who Will Be Affected?

The rule changes primarily impact:

• Students applying for study permits – Permits may be revoked due to administrative errors or if an applicant is found ineligible.
• Work permit holders – Work permits may be canceled due to documentation issues, errors in issuance, or other regulatory concerns.
• Visitors and temporary residents – Those whose travel documents are incomplete, invalid, or acquired through administrative errors may face visa cancellations.

Consequences of Temporary Resident Visa Cancellation

Foreign nationals whose temporary status is revoked may face several challenges, including:

• Removal from Canada if found ineligible.
• Denial of boarding at airports due to revoked travel authorization.
• Refusal of entry at Canadian ports of entry if documents are invalid.
• Financial losses for those who have purchased travel tickets but are no longer authorized to enter Canada.

The new rules emphasize compliance with immigration laws, ensuring that only eligible individuals can stay in Canada under temporary resident status. Those planning to travel, study, or work in Canada should verify their documentation and adhere to immigration requirements to avoid complications.