Canada Introduces New Rules to Cancel Temporary Resident Visas, Work, and Study Permits – Who Will Be Affected?

Canada has introduced new rules that will impact temporary residents in the country as part of efforts to protect its borders and immigration system.

These new regulations follow a series of immigration policies aimed at reducing the number of people applying to stay in Canada.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the new rules will grant immigration officials the power to cancel temporary resident documents under certain circumstances.

The cancellations will apply to electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), work and study permits, and temporary resident visas (TRVs).

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Canada’s New Immigration Regulations

On February 12, 2025, IRCC announced changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which include provisions for canceling immigration documents.

Under these regulations, an immigration officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a foreign national may not leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay.

Despite these changes, Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming individuals from all over the world for study, work, or travel. However, visitors must comply with the eligibility requirements outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations.

Canada also emphasized that all temporary residents must obtain either a TRV or an eTA to enter the country. Those who wish to study or work in Canada must have the appropriate permit.

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Increase in Visa and Permit Cancellations

Canada expects to cancel approximately 7,000 temporary resident visas, work permits, and study permits under these new regulations.

International students and new applicants seeking entry to Canada in the coming year will be affected.

Although Canada had planned to issue 437,000 study permits for international students in 2025, the government is now taking steps to reduce the number of foreign students.

This decision follows reports that 50,000 international students who applied for study permits in Canada failed to enroll in their designated institutions.

According to government data from spring 2024, most affected individuals come from countries such as Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana, Iran, India, and China.

Additionally, the regulations will impact students who lack the correct residency documents and individuals who remain in Canada illegally.

Read Also: The UK Changes Its Minimum Visa Requirements for Visa Applications (Starting Feb 2025)

Reasons for Temporary Visa Cancellation

According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, IRCC outlined several reasons for canceling a temporary visa:

1. Ineligibility – If a person is found ineligible due to a criminal record or for providing false information, officials can cancel their visa.
   • Example: “An officer may cancel an electronic travel authorization if the foreign national becomes ineligible to hold such authorization.”
2. Overstay – If immigration officials believe an individual will not leave Canada after their approved stay, their visa may be canceled.
   • Example: “An electronic travel authorization will be canceled if the passport or other travel document it was issued for is lost, stolen, or destroyed.”
3. Document Issues – If a person’s travel documents are stolen, damaged, or lost, their temporary visa may be canceled.
4. Errors or Status Changes – If a visa or permit was issued by mistake, it can be revoked.
   • If an individual dies or becomes a permanent resident, their temporary visa will also be canceled.

Who Will Be Affected?

The new regulations primarily affect:

• Students applying for study permits – If a permit was issued in error, it may be revoked.
• Workers with permits – A work permit will become invalid if:
  • It expires
  • It is canceled due to administrative errors
  • The individual dies
• Visitors for other purposes – Those with incomplete documents, expired permits, or whose visas were issued due to an administrative error.

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Consequences of Visa Cancellation

The impact of these changes is expected to be significant for affected individuals. Those whose visas are canceled may face the following consequences:

• They will be removed from Canada if deemed ineligible.
• They may not be allowed to board a flight to Canada.
• They may be denied entry at Canadian ports of entry.
• They may suffer financial losses if they have already purchased travel tickets but are no longer authorized to travel to Canada.

These new rules reflect Canada’s effort to tighten its immigration policies and ensure compliance with its visa and permit regulations.

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