Canada has introduced significant changes to its immigration regulations, which are expected to affect thousands of Indian students and other temporary residents. The revised Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations came into effect on January 31, granting border officials expanded authority to cancel temporary resident documents, including Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) and Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs).
These changes will pose challenges for international students, workers, and visitors, particularly those from India. Canada remains a preferred destination for Indian students seeking higher education, with approximately 427,000 Indian students currently enrolled in Canadian institutions, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Under the new rules, Canadian immigration and border officials have the power to revoke ETAs, TRVs, work permits, and study permits under certain conditions. This includes cases where individuals are found to have provided false information, have a criminal record, or are deemed unlikely to leave Canada after their visa expires.
As a result of these policy changes, nearly 7,000 additional temporary resident visas, work permits, and study permits could be canceled. Foreign nationals, particularly Indians, who lose their permits may face serious consequences, including restrictions on entering Canada through its ports of entry or being required to leave the country.
