Recent changes to Canada’s immigration policies, which took effect on January 31, 2025, are set to affect thousands of Indian students, workers, and visitors. The new amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations grant immigration officials broader authority to revoke study and work permits under specific circumstances. Additionally, the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program in late 2024 has added further complications for prospective students.
The now-defunct SDS program previously enabled faster visa processing for students who could demonstrate financial stability through tuition payments and Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) for living expenses. With its removal, students may now face longer processing times and stricter requirements when applying for study permits.
As part of the regulatory updates, border officials now have increased discretion to cancel temporary resident documents such as electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs). This development is particularly significant for Indian nationals, as Canada remains one of the top destinations for Indian students seeking higher education and employment opportunities. Data from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicates that approximately 427,000 Indian students are currently studying in Canada. Furthermore, between January and July 2024, Canada issued 365,750 visitor visas to Indian nationals.
The revised regulations outline several conditions under which visas and permits may be revoked, including:
- Submission of false or misleading information.
- A criminal record.
- The applicant’s death.
- Immigration officials suspecting the individual may not leave Canada after their authorized stay expires.
- Loss, theft, destruction, or administrative errors in document issuance.
- Transition from temporary residency to permanent residency.
- Rejection of a work or study permit application or renewal.
According to a report by NDTV, these regulatory changes could lead to the cancellation of approximately 7,000 additional temporary resident visas, study permits, and work permits. The stricter guidelines now require applicants to ensure all their documentation is accurate and that they meet the necessary criteria to avoid complications with their status in Canada.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has assured that impacted individuals will be notified via their IRCC accounts or email. If a visa or permit is revoked at the port of entry, the affected individual will be turned away and sent back to their home country. Those already residing in Canada who experience permit cancellations will receive an official notice with a deadline to leave the country.
These changes have sparked concern among Indian students and professionals aspiring to study and work in Canada. As immigration policies tighten, prospective applicants are advised to stay informed and meticulously prepare their applications to avoid rejection or deportation.
While the long-term effects of these immigration policy shifts remain uncertain, analysts suggest that Canada’s appeal to international students and workers may decline due to the increased scrutiny and tighter restrictions. Applicants must remain vigilant, ensuring compliance with all immigration regulations to facilitate a smooth entry and stay in Canada.
